Oman's healthcare sector is undergoing significant transformations to enhance its efficiency and broaden its scope of health services, focusing on decentralised specialised healthcare. The Ministry of Health is actively working towards improving the health infrastructure in alignment with the government's overarching plans and "Oman Vision 2040," aimed at elevating the quality of services for citizens and residents.
End of the previous year, the Sultanate of Oman boasted 90 hospitals, including 50 under the Ministry of Health, providing a total of 7,238 beds. This translates to 14.7 beds per 10,000 individuals. Additionally, the healthcare landscape comprised 21 polyclinics, 192 health centres, and 27 dialysis units distributed across all governorates.
Notable developments this year include the expansion of Nizwa Hospital, with an investment of RO 30 million, adding 245 beds and bringing the total capacity to 555 beds. Sohar Hospital also underwent expansion at a cost of RO 28 million, augmenting its capacity to over 636 beds to meet the escalating demand for specialised health services. Moreover, the foundation stone for the Central Public Health Laboratory in Seeb, Muscat, was laid, representing an investment of approximately RO 18.2 million. Expected to be operational in the first half of 2025, the laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technologies for laboratory tests and has been recognised by the World Health Organization as a collaborating centre for emerging and new infectious diseases.
A significant achievement for Oman is the World Health Organisation's recognition of the central public health laboratories in the country as a collaborating centre for emerging and new infectious diseases — a first in the Middle East. Additionally, keratoplasty operations have resumed at Al Nahda Hospital, aligning with the National Programme for Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation's goal to localise such operations. The National Polio Laboratory, affiliated with the Public Health Laboratories in Oman, received a 100 per cent rating in the proficiency test for polio laboratories in 2020.
The Ministry of Health, specifically the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, has been selected by the World Health Organisation as a collaborating centre for research and training in chronic respiratory diseases. This recognition is a testament to Oman's pioneering role in integrating services for treating common respiratory diseases at all healthcare levels.
The Royal Hospital achieved Platinum status from Accreditation Canada International (ACI), and the Sultan Qaboos Integrated Center for Cancer Treatment and Research received the JCI certificate. Both accolades reflect their commitment to meeting global healthcare standards.
In response to the increasing population, the Ministry of Health continues implementing various health projects across the Sultanate. Notable ongoing projects include Al Suwaiq Hospital, Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Dhofar, Khasab Hospital in Musandam, and Al Mazyouna Hospital in Dhofar.
Sohar Hospital's expansion project, overseen by the Royal Court Affairs, is a strategic initiative aligned with "Oman Vision 2040." The RO 28 million investment aims to increase the hospital's capacity to over 636 beds, addressing the growing demand for specialised health services in North Al Batinah Governorate.
Furthermore, the opening of expansion projects in Barka, including Al Naseem and Al Sawadi health centres, exemplifies the commitment to community partnership outlined in "Oman Vision 2040." The Molecular Polymerisation Laboratory at Khawla Hospital signifies another milestone, equipped with advanced technologies to identify causes of bacterial infections and deliver precise test results promptly. These initiatives collectively underscore Oman's dedication to advancing its healthcare sector and ensuring the well-being of its citizens and residents.
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