Muscat: Speaking at a media meet, the Health Minister stated categorically that there is no truth in the reports of fee hikes that is being circulated across various platforms.

On the citizens’ demand for a specialized fertility center, he stated that the trial launch of the fertility center will take place at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Complex in Wattayah on October 1, 2023, and the official opening will be done in November this year.

Talking about treatments abroad, His Excellency stressed that the Ministry follows strict guidelines when it comes to transferring patients abroad for treatment. He explained that the methodology is equal for everyone, and is dependent on diagnosis of cases, without any show of favoritism; it is done through a specialized committee that includes representatives from several parties, he added.

He also noted that the Ministry follows a focused approach to ensure that treatment reaches patients right within the country by bringing in qualified doctors to consult and perform operations without them having to travel abroad for the same.

And while medicines are available in all institutions supervised by the Ministry, he pointed out that there is a shortage of some medicines, and work is underway to provide them; he also stressed that there is no shortage of chronic disease medicines.

His Excellency stated that the Ministry seeks to support locally produced medicines with high specifications and quality, even if there is a difference in price. He explained that there is coordination between the Ministry and a number of concerned authorities to enhance drug security.