MUSCAT– Shifa, the mobile application for personal health file, contains medical information between the patient and the attending physician, and displays all patient health data in a smooth and simple manner from all health institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health. Wissam bin Mohammed Abu Daraz, Director of the Electronic Health Department at the Directorate General of Information Technology, said that the Ministry of Health launched the Shifa application for mobile phones with the aim of providing personal health records for every citizen and resident, through which medical data registered in health institutions, is obtained. It also provides electronic services between the patient and health institutions and creates a platform for exchanging health information and consultations with health service providers.

He pointed out that the application displays all the information that is registered in the system and is used in all hospitals and health centers in the Sultanate of Oman; this information is updated continuously, displaying more than one service and feature that users can benefit from easily. It includes a feature in the side menu of the application titled ‘What’s New’, which explains how to use each service.

He further explained that the application displays 16 services and features that the user can benefit from, represented in personal data, medical records, medical history, family members, appointments, medications, medical examinations, immunizations, procedure reports, documents, vital signs, organ and blood donation, as well as the virtual clinic.
Some of the current services, such as the chat with the doctor service, will be developed to include the option of sharing photos and audio clips; new services like self-registration, electronic payment, requesting a comprehensive report, booking appointments for blood donation, and support and assistance through the application are also on the agenda. It is noteworthy that the virtual clinic service has been activated in the Royal Hospital and Khoula Hospital, and the activation will be completed in the rest of the hospitals according to the plan prepared by the Directorate