Major Steps Towards Enhancing Healthcare Sector Across Oman 1>

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Oman is planning to develop health services in the country through starting an accreditation for healthcare facilities. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, minister of health said during ‘Oman Health – Healthcare Expansion Summit’ yesterday “Ministry of Health is working towards accreditation of healthcare facilities and system in Oman. Accreditation for healthcare facilities and system in Oman is a must and I can assure that we have started the process”.

He added “Accreditation is part of the process we are planning with the private sector. We all agree that monitoring of private healthcare sector at the moment is not what we hope and aim for. That will be strengthened. We want to encourage right practices and standards”. He explained that patient care will be developed to the standard guidelines by setting up, monitoring and implementation of clinical standards.

He commented “Next month, leaders of private sector hospitals will be invited to attend a meeting MoH is having with NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) of UK and Royal College’s Standard Setting department. We will be modifying what is practiced in the UK to suit our set-up here”. Despite concerns about the insurance sector that private health sector leaders have, Dr Saidi revealed “We are in the process of working with other government agencies on the issue”.