Projects are started by the Health Ministry to improve medical care in Muscat.

The Directorate General of Khoula Hospital, acting on behalf of the Ministry of Health, has started a number of significant initiatives to enhance healthcare.

Muscat – The initiative, unveiled during a ceremony held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, aims to cut down lists of patients waiting for specialised medical services and localise some services in Khoula Hospital, Al Nahda Hospital and Al Wattayah Gynaecology and Obstetrics Complex.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Dr. Al Sabti emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in achieving the Ministry’s health goals. He highlighted the critical role of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, in alleviating patient suffering and enhancing the quality of life. Reflecting on the challenges faced by the healthcare sector in recent years, particularly the accumulation of cases, he acknowledged the positive impact of concerted efforts by the public sector and the support of private sector partners.

Dr. Rashid bin Mohammed Al Alawi, Director General of Khoula Hospital, detailed the scope of the new projects, which include the renovation of facilities, the introduction of advanced medical equipment, and the localisation of specialized surgeries. He revealed that the Ministry has allocated RO 4 million over the past two years to support the Directorate General of Khoula Hospital’s initiatives. According to Dr. Al Alawi, these projects are expected to significantly improve service quality and reduce waiting times, benefiting patients through enhanced operational efficiency.

The projects include a total of five key initiatives, funded by entities such as the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Al Yusr Charitable Foundation, OMIFCO, and Al Jisr Charitable Foundation. These projects have been aimed at financing and procuring advanced medical equipment for the hospitals.
Dr. Alia bint Ali Al Balushi, Anaesthesia Specialist and Head of the Day Care Department at Khoula Hospital, outlined the first project, which focuses on the full operation of the day care building’s operating rooms. The goal is to reduce waiting lists and optimise the use of surgical facilities. The operational plan, launched in October 2023, is being implemented in three phases. The first phase started with 20 surgical sessions per week, while the third phase will see up to 47 surgical sessions per week. By the project’s completion, the hospital expects to conduct over 250 surgeries per week, covering a wide range of specialties.

The second project, led by Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Kalbani, Head of the Spine Unit at Khoula Hospital, introduces a spine endoscopic surgery service and a surgical guidance system for complex operations. This will allow for the local implementation of advanced scoliosis surgeries and complex spine reconstructions. The project has been supported by OMIFCO and includes the installation of surgical imaging and guidance devices.
Dr. Walaa bint Asad Allah Al Ajmi, Anaesthesia and Pain Management Specialist at Khoula Hospital, discussed the third project, which focuses on creating an integrated unit for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. The unit features five rooms, including clinics for patient assessment, rooms for interventional procedures, and an observation room for post-procedure care. It has also adopted telemedicine technology to follow up on patients remotely. The unit has already seen a significant increase in interventional procedures, serving 1,488 patients this year.

The fourth project involves the establishment of an endoscopy unit at Al Nahda Hospital, supported by the Yusr Charitable Foundation. Additionally, a sleep clinic has also been introduced at the hospital.
The fifth initiative focuses on improving the infrastructure at Khoula Hospital, which includes updating and maintaining the surgical wards, main operating room, and hospital corridors. This project is also aimed at enhancing the hospital’s ability to perform advanced surgeries, including the first-ever temporomandibular joint arthroscopic surgery and replacement surgeries at Al Nahda Hospital.
The Ministry of Health’s new initiatives have also contributed to the localisation of specialised surgical services, such as early scoliosis surgeries, brachial plexus operations, microvascular free tissue transfer surgeries, and treatments for cerebral aneurysms. These services are being localized for the first time in the Sultanate of Oman, marking a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare advancements.
At the end of the ceremony, H.E. Dr. Sabti honoured the governmental and private sector entities that supported the projects, recognizing their crucial role in enhancing healthcare services in the Sultanate.

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