Muscat: Committed to maintaining the safety of its clients and employees, Oman Investment and Finance Company’s (OIFC), Khedmah, has adopted a set of procedures and precautionary measures in the wake of the ongoing pandemic. These efforts came in line with the directives of the Supreme Committee entrusted with undertaking measures to tackle developments resulting from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The measures taken by the company, with the objective of ensuring the continuation of its business with high efficiency; included updating many of the services provided to clients, to meet their needs and ensure their safety.

Seeking to create a safe working environment, OIFC was keen to implement many procedures such as introducing a new branch sitting layout in the waiting halls in order to maintain social distancing. Furthermore, measuring customers’ temperature while entering the branches, arranging the flow of people during entry and exit, providing hand sanitizers, and carrying out periodic sanitization of the branches.

In order to maintain social distancing and avoid public places, OIFC encourages its clients to utilize its hassle-free Khedmah app and benefit from the plethora of services it provides with a push of a button. Through the Khedmah app, users can pay and check electricity, water, and telecommunications bills as well as making payments to the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI). Additionally, top-up phone, pre-paid electricity, and entering electricity meter reading. The company also provides self-service machines available in many places across the Sultanate that deliver timely and seamless services. 

Harith Khamis Al Hinai, HSSE Manager at OIFC said: “The health and safety of our clients and employees are our first priority. Hence, we at OIFC adhere to the highest standards of safety in our operations and services provided to customers. The applied measures and procedures had a positive impact on the public and employee’s safety as well as the smooth running of operations.”

“The company aspires to enrich customers’ experience by delivering easy and flexible services to them despite the current challenges. It seeks to meet their expectations by providing various effective digital solutions, including the electronic channels available around the clock. Through these channels, clients will be able to avail themselves of the services anywhere and at any time. Ultimately, avoiding visiting branches in order to maintain public safety,” he added further.

Seeking to encounter the challenges triggered by the pandemic and curb its spread, the company launched Covid- 19 Prevention Guidelines Protocol with an aim to raise employees’ awareness about the virus and methods of dealing with it. In this regard, OIFC provided bulletins and conducted virtual awareness sessions. Additionally, the administration organized periodic field visits to branches in order to ensure the safe operation of the business and provide guidance to employees.

The company also formed a Business Continuity Team that developed an efficient plan which includes a number of policies and precautionary measures to avoid any impacts that would disrupt operations, and that has helped them to prepare in advance for any decisions taken by the Supreme Committee. Hence, the company was able to continue its services and daily operations smoothly and conveniently.

Khedmah app was launched in 2016 as part of OIFC’s efforts to enhance its services and deliver an easy experience for all stakeholders across the Sultanate. The application provides an integrated and seamless platform that offers electronic payment solutions for establishments, citizens, and residents. Through the application, users can pay and check electricity, water, and telecommunications bills as well as making payments to the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI). Additionally, top-up phone, pre-paid electricity, and other services, through smartphones without the need to visit the company’s branches to pay or follow up on monthly bills.

Established in 1979, OIFC is one of the leading Investment and Services companies and specializes in billing, collection & debt factoring for electricity, water and telecom services in the Sultanate of Oman. The company’s various payment channels allow customers to easily pay their electricity, water, and telecommunications bills.