Muscat – These regulations, aiming to streamline and modernise the healthcare sector in Oman, replace several previous ministerial resolutions, consolidating them into a single comprehensive framework.
The regulations classify private health institutions as follows:
• Hospitals (general, specialized, rehabilitation)
• Outpatient healthcare facilities (day surgery centers, psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation centers, specialized addiction rehabilitation centers)
• Medical diagnostic centers (general medical analysis laboratories, medical imaging centers)
• Specialized units (home health care services, first aid units, umbilical cord blood and stem cell storage centers)
• Traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine centers
• Allied health services centers
• Long-term care homes
As per the ‘Licensing Terms’ under the resolution, private health institutions must obtain initial approval from the Ministry and be established as a company. It also stipulates that the distance between the private health institution and any public pharmacy or similar institution should not be less than 100 meters, with exceptions for those located within commercial complexes.
Licensing of Practitioners:

• Practitioners must be registered and licensed, with foreign qualifications needing authentication by the Ministry.
• Licensing is valid for two years in private health institutions and three years in government institutions.
• Visiting professionals must be licensed in their home country, pass a professional assessment, and be insured against liability.
  Obligations of Private Health Institutions and Practitioners:
• Practitioners must obtain their license before employment and cannot work elsewhere without Ministry approval.
• Institutions must report any criminal incidents or patient deaths to the Ministry and the nearest police station.
• Specific cases where professionals may practice outside their institution include community services, emergency services, and vaccinations.
  Additional Requirements:
• Professionals must obtain approval for advertising to ensure it is accurate and does not mislead.
• Requests for reproductive termination will be reviewed by a ministerial committee.
• A committee will oversee genetic fingerprinting tests, which will only be conducted upon court request.