MUSCAT: The National Heart Centre at the Royal Hospital has achieved a notable national milestone in developing cardiac imaging services. It implemented a sustainable model combining investment in national cadres, unification of professional standards and enhancement of operational efficiency. This has contributed to improving service quality and reducing waiting lists, reaching a "zero level" by the end of 2025.
The indicators showed a remarkable improvement in productivity during the period (2023–2025). The number of cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans increased from 1,953 scans in 2023 to 2,671 scans in 2025, achieving a growth rate of 36 per cent. The number of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans doubled from 458 scans to 920 scans during the same period, with a growth rate of 100 per cent.
These efforts were supported by focused campaigns targeting the reduction of waiting lists. These included the implementation of four campaigns for cardiac CT imaging, during which 673 scans were performed, and two campaigns for cardiac MRI imaging, during which 177 scans were conducted. This directly contributed to accelerating the delivery of treatment services to patients.
Dr Najib bin Zahran al Rawahi, Director of the National Heart Centre, affirmed that the achievements made during 2023–2025 represent a practical model for transforming operational challenges into opportunities for sustainable development, focusing on three pillars: qualifying cadres, unifying regulatory frameworks and enhancing resource efficiency.
He added that this approach has yielded a tangible improvement in service quality and positively impacted the speed at which patients receive medical care, while ensuring adherence to global safety standards. He indicated that this achievement represents a cornerstone for enhancing integration and elevating cardiac care services throughout the Sultanate of Oman.
This integrated approach was reflected in a radical processing of accumulated referrals. The number of completed referrals rose from 733 referrals in 2023 to 1,421 referrals in 2024, culminating in the complete clearance of all accumulated referrals in 2025. This achievement reflects precision in planning and efficiency in execution.
Meanwhile, the Royal Hospital implemented an integrated training programme for the medical staff in the Radiology Department, encompassing doctors, technicians and nursing staff. Field visits were organised for the imaging team to support participating departments in several reference hospitals. Furthermore, an advanced national course (Level Two) in cardiac CT imaging was conducted, targeting national competencies with the aim of increasing the service's capacity across the Sultanate of Oman. - ONA
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