Muscat: The move, outlined in Ministerial Resolution No. 71/2024, aims to attract investment and make it easier for private clinics and hospitals to operate.
This initiative aligns with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s directives, which prioritize facilitating government services and boosting economic competitiveness. Dr. Muhanna bin Nasser Al-Muselhi, Director General of the Directorate General of Private Health Institutions, hailed the decision critical to support the private health sector.
The resolution brings a wave of positive changes, including:
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Eliminating fees for 12 services, such as establishing a hospital, adding specialities, and using an ambulance.
Reduced licensing fees for private health institutions along with extended licensing periods.
Review of fees for pharmacies, pharmaceutical factories, and health care companies.
These changes benefit private institutions and aim to make healthcare more accessible for citizens.
The Ministry also ensures a skilled Omani workforce in the private health sector. Dr Al-Muselhi highlighted the success of the health laboratory within Oman Vision 2040, pointing out that more than 200 Omani dentists have been employed in the private health sector so far.
This academy offers training programs for recent graduates before entering the workforce and provides specialized training in areas like orthodontics. The Ministry has also approved the establishment of dental clinics by the academy, which is expected to supply the private sector with skilled Omani dentists.
The Ministry’s commitment to the private sector is further demonstrated by granting initial approvals for 16 new private hospitals and 215 private health institutions, focusing on expanding services outside the capital city of Muscat.
Dr. Al-Muselhi emphasized the Ministry’s confidence in the private sector, citing the delegation of specific surgeries like cataracts and knee replacements. Additionally, Omani doctors from the public sector can now work part-time in private clinics, expanding medical expertise and patient access.
