MUSCAT : Oman’s Shura Council has called for stricter regulation of private healthcare pricing and stronger oversight of medical services, as members pressed for sweeping reforms to improve affordability, medicine availability and the long-term sustainability of the country’s health system.

The recommendations came during the second day of discussions on the statement of Health Minister His Excellency Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti at the council’s 17th regular sitting of the third annual session (2025–2026), chaired by Shura Council Chairman His Excellency Khalid Al Maawali.

Members said tighter supervision of private hospitals, clinics and pharmacies was needed to prevent exploitative pricing practices and ensure fair access to treatment, particularly as rising healthcare costs continue to place pressure on households.

They called for stronger consumer protection measures and better market balance, alongside stricter monitoring of medicine prices and quality in private pharmacies.

Council members also raised concerns over inconsistencies in the quality and availability of some medicines and urged stronger pharmaceutical oversight, including stricter standards for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medicines and ensuring their continuous supply across governorates.

They proposed establishing specialised medical storage facilities at the governorate level to improve pharmaceutical security and reduce shortages, particularly for medicines used in chronic disease treatment, noting that supply gaps often force citizens to buy medicines from private pharmacies at higher costs.

The discussions also focused on shortages in nursing staff and low Omanisation rates in certain medical specialisations, with members warning that workforce gaps were increasing pressure on existing staff and affecting service quality.

They urged the Ministry of Health to adopt clearer plans to attract and train Omani medical professionals, improve working conditions and reduce dependence on expatriate workers.

Members also stressed the need for stronger coordination between the ministry and universities, colleges and health institutes to align academic output with labour market demand, particularly in specialised healthcare fields.

Calls were also made to improve job equity for allied health professionals, accelerate promotions and review the inclusion of medical records and administrative staff within the medical cadre framework.

Council members further highlighted the need to review employment conditions for ambulance drivers and regularise contract employees working under programmes such as “Sahem”, saying greater job stability would improve retention across the sector.

They also questioned the migration of national medical talent, citing resignations of doctors without timely replacements, and called for stronger retention policies to maintain service continuity.

On infrastructure, members pointed to limited capacity in some public health facilities and delays in expanding intensive care units in several wilayats and governorates.

They proposed establishing specialised clinics for diabetes, asthma, nutrition and diabetic foot care, in addition to studying the creation of dedicated hospitals for women and children, while also suggesting medicine delivery services for elderly patients and those with chronic illnesses.

The council also called for preventive health programmes to address the growing prevalence of strokes, hypertension, diabetes and mental health conditions among young people, alongside scientific studies into the causes of certain cancers and other chronic diseases.

Members additionally urged faster digital transformation across the health sector through artificial intelligence-supported appointment systems, telemedicine services, electronic prescriptions and smart healthcare applications aimed at reducing waiting times and easing pressure on medical institutions.

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