OMSB to lead unified health training

MUSCAT: Oman is taking a significant step towards unifying advanced medical education and training through the expansion of the role of the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB), following the issuance of Royal Decree No 60/2026.
The Royal Decree abolishes the Higher Institute for Health Specialities and transfers all its specialisations, assets, rights, obligations, records and allocations to the OMSB, in a move aimed at strengthening and streamlining the country’s healthcare education system.
The move forms part of broader efforts to re-engineer the health sector in Oman by establishing a unified national reference for advanced professional medical education and training. It is expected to enhance the readiness of national healthcare competencies to meet the evolving demands of the health system while improving the quality and efficiency of specialised training programmes.
The new framework seeks to align education and training outcomes with the priorities of the national healthcare system, support innovation and modern technologies, optimise government spending and improve resource utilisation. It also aims to strengthen sustainability in the health sector while contributing to the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
The integration is also expected to improve coordination across medicine, nursing, pharmacy and allied health disciplines, creating stronger links between various medical specialities under one national umbrella. Authorities believe this will contribute to the development of higher-quality training programmes that are regionally and internationally accredited and recognised.
Established under Royal Decree No 31/2006, the OMSB operates with legal, financial and administrative independence and is headquartered in Muscat, with the ability to carry out its functions across other parts of the Sultanate of Oman.
The Board plays a key role in preparing and qualifying medical professionals, enhancing their expertise, developing professional standards and advancing scientific knowledge in medicine. It also works to strengthen partnerships with local, regional and international medical institutions while pursuing international recognition for its training programmes.
The reform is expected to strengthen workforce planning in the health sector and ensure that educational outcomes are more closely aligned with Oman’s long-term healthcare priorities. – ONA