MUSCAT– The Ministry of Health (MOH) has temporarily stopped issuing new licenses to establish private health clinics in Muscat Governorate, the country’s Minister of Health said on Sunday.

Addressing the Majlis Al Shura Council, His Excellency Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti said the decision to stop issuing licenses comes following a surge in private clincis in Muscat Governorate. “We have seen an increase in private clinics in Muscat and it becomes difficult to monitor and follow-up if we have many so we have decided to stop issuing licenses to the new ones,” Al Sabti said.

Meanwhile, the Minister said MOH is working on expanding five hospitals with around 600 additional beds, and raising the efficiency of three health centers and upgrading them to local hospitals. MOH is also working to expand eight emergency units and also establish nine dialysis units in the country.