MUSCAT – Over the years, the programme has seen significant advancements, driven by national efforts to localise this specialised and complex surgery.

Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Kalbani, Head of the Spine Unit at Khoula Hospital and Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon, pointed out that the programme had achieved a qualitative shift with the introduction of early scoliosis treatment last year. This allows for earlier intervention in children, with over 50 cases performed since its rollout.

He highlighted that such procedures were previously conducted abroad, placing financial and emotional burdens on patients and families. By localising these services, the hospital has alleviated these challenges and built national expertise capable of handling advanced spinal surgeries.

Khoula Hospital now ranks among the few centres in the Gulf and Middle East offering this level of microsurgical care. It utilises cutting-edge technologies such as intraoperative nerve monitoring and spinal stabilization systems. The hospital is also one of the first in the region to employ advanced surgical navigation tools and robotic arms in paediatric spine surgeries—enhancing precision, reducing complications, and improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Al Kalbani also noted that a comprehensive documentation unit has been established to chronicle Khoula Hospital’s scoliosis treatment journey, supporting continuous development in training, specialization, and research.
He explained that innovative strategic research is currently underway, in collaboration with artificial intelligence technologies, to develop early detection methods for scoliosis in schools. This will enhance early detection and reduce the need for complex surgical interventions in the future.

He emphasised that the success achieved in this area was the result of the combined efforts of doctors, technicians, and health administration, and that work is underway to expand the scope of services and develop research and training programs to meet the needs of patients at the national and regional levels.
“We are witnessing a growing awareness among the community of the importance of early diagnosis of scoliosis, and we are proud of the citizens’ confidence in government health institutions, especially the Omani talents who have proven their ability to provide advanced treatment services at international standards,” he explained.

Dr. Rashid bin Mohammed Al Alawi, Director General of Khoula Hospital, also confirmed that the hospital aims to become a regional reference centre for spinal surgery, staffed by highly trained Omani professionals. Through continuous training, research, and collaboration, the hospital publishes its findings in leading scientific journals, contributing to global medical knowledge.

He stated that the hospital not only strives for medical excellence, but also prioritizes the patient, providing them with the necessary medical care. He emphasised that the expansion of specialised services and the adoption of the latest technologies, such as robotic surgeries, are aimed at alleviating patients’ suffering, accelerating their recovery, and enabling them to return to their lives in a better light.