MUSCAT — Oman’s State Financial and Administrative Audit Authority (SAI) has found that financial allowances granted to citizens sent abroad for medical treatment have not been updated for nearly 30 years.
In its 2024 annual Community Brief, the watchdog said the Ministry of Health’s current allocations for accommodation and daily expenses “no longer align with inflation rates or the significant increase in prices in recent years.”
The report noted that the outdated payment structure places a financial burden on Omani patients and families seeking specialized treatment abroad.
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In response, the Ministry of Health has submitted a study proposing revisions to the existing system, including higher allowances for patients, broader adjustments to reflect actual living costs, and the inclusion of new treatment destinations.
The audit also underscored broader administrative and operational issues in the Ministry’s Overseas Treatment Department, including staff shortages and slow case processing. However, it said the ministry is taking corrective steps to modernize procedures and digital systems.
The Community Brief forms part of the Authority’s effort to enhance transparency and accountability across government institutions by highlighting key audit findings and corrective measures.
