THE RISING COST OF HEALING

While Omani citizens and government employees continue to benefit from free healthcare at public institutions, concerns are mounting among sections of society over the rising cost of medicines and private healthcare services in the Sultanate of Oman, particularly for expatriates and low-income residents.

A recent social media post by an Omani citizen questioning the high cost of prescribed medicines has reignited public debate over healthcare affordability in Oman. 

The individual expressed shock after discovering that a medicine prescribed by a physician cost nearly RO 30 in Oman, while a similar medication was available for the equivalent of around RO 3 in another country.

“This incident prompts us to ask an important question: is it truly reasonable for the price of medication in Oman to be ten times higher than in other countries?” the citizen wrote on social media. “Medication is not a luxury commodity; it is a fundamental human necessity intrinsically linked to the lives and well-being of patients.”

Healthcare services in Oman remain heavily subsidised for citizens and GCC nationals through public hospitals and clinics, with government spending estimated at around RO 300 per person annually. Emergency care is also provided free of charge to all residents and visitors, regardless of nationality.

However, expatriates relying on private healthcare often face considerable out-of-pocket expenses or depend heavily on insurance coverage. Private consultation fees typically range between RO 15 and RO 30, while treatment costs can escalate for specialised care. 

Dental procedures, for example, can range from RO 15 to RO 30 for routine check-ups, while dental implants may cost anywhere between RO 500 and RO 1,200. Maternity care in private hospitals can cost approximately RO 180 for a natural delivery and RO 450 for a caesarean section.

Dr Benny Panakkan, Medical Director at Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, acknowledged that medicine costs remain a limiting factor in the treatment of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.

“Even though older medicines are available in generic formulations at comparatively lower prices, it is still difficult for low-income patients to bear the expenses if they are not covered by insurance,” he said.

To ease the burden, Dhamani health insurance has been mandatory for private-sector expatriates since 2023, with employers required to provide basic health coverage. Insurance premiums vary, with basic worker plans costing around RO 40–60 annually, while family packages can range between RO 250 and RO 400, offering a basic coverage limit of RO 4,500 per year.

A representative from a private healthcare provider noted that Oman’s healthcare costs are moderate when compared to some Western nations.

“Compared to private healthcare costs in certain Western countries, Oman’s costs are moderate. However, compared to the free public healthcare enjoyed by citizens, expatriates often pay out of pocket or through insurance. That is why private insurance remains strongly recommended,” the representative said.

Medical professionals, however, agree that rising medical costs can significantly affect healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes.

Dr Dilip Kumar Singvi, Specialist in Internal Medicine at Burjeel Hospital, said medication — particularly for chronic diseases — constitutes a major component of healthcare spending and can place a substantial burden on household finances.

“In Oman, rising medication and healthcare costs are being driven by health-related inflation and increasing demand for private medical services. At the same time, the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and kidney-related ailments is contributing to rising healthcare expenditure,” Dr Dilip observed.

Dr Mahmoud al Rahbi, Head of Emergencies at Samayil Hospital under the Ministry of Health, warned that expensive medicines could discourage patients from adhering to treatment.

“When medicines become too expensive, several problems emerge. Patients may delay or avoid treatment, skip medications, reduce doses or stop treatment entirely. This is especially dangerous for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and cancer,” he said. As public debate continues, many are calling for a comprehensive review of medication pricing, stronger regulatory oversight and wider access to affordable alternatives that take into account the income realities of both citizens and residents.