MUSCAT – Oman’s Ministry of Health (MOH) is operating with a budget of nearly RO 1 billion in the current year, underscoring the government’s focus on expanding healthcare services and strengthening nationwide coverage, a senior official said on Sunday.

His Excellency Suleiman bin Nasser bin Khamis bin Nasser Al-Hajji, Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs said the allocation reflects continued investment in developing the health sector and enhancing the ministry’s capacity to implement expansion and development projects across the governorates.

More than 15 projects are currently under implementation during 2026–2027, in addition to several future initiatives, the official said.

The ministry is also planning to launch more than 20 new projects aimed at improving the quality and reach of health services. These include the construction of new healthcare facilities, expansion of referral hospitals and the establishment of specialised and national centres.

In workforce development, the official said Omanisation in the health sector rose to 71.4% in 2025, with high localisation rates achieved in key professions such as nursing and allied medical roles.

The briefing also highlighted growth in the local pharmaceutical and medical supplies industry. Oman currently has 20 medical manufacturing facilities strategically distributed across the country, including seven pharmaceutical factories, two manufacturers of raw pharmaceutical materials and 11 plants producing medical supplies.

The remarks were made during the ministry’s annual media briefing outlining financial allocations, infrastructure priorities and sector performance indicators.