Wealth in health
Over the years transition in health sector is all visible in Oman with reduced cases of morbidity and mortality owing to communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases related to lifestyle and ageing. However, is it enough to cater to the growing needs of medical facilities that should be available in a country like Oman?
Although new medical infrastructure is coming in a huge way at high cost, still denizens of Oman are going out of the country for various medical treatments. According to a news report the Indian Embassy in Oman witnessed a surge in issuance of medical visas till the end of August 2016 and the number of visa issued increased by 222 per cent over last year. “Until the end of August, 14,585 medical and medical attendant visas had been issued by the Indian embassy. In 2015, it was only 4,530 during the same period,” the report mentioned.
The medical infrastructure is coming in a big way in the country. The Sultan Qaboos Medical City Complex that is expected to consist of five major hospitals and supported imaging centre and laboratory facilities providing sophisticated medical care is coming at a cost of $1.5 billion.
Similarly, the International Medical City would consist of a 530-bed multispecialty tertiary care hospital, a modern organ transplant centre of excellence, a state of-the-art diagnostic centre, healthcare resort, wellness centre, luxury hotel and a purpose-built research and development complex is coming at a cost of US$ 1 billion. Also, Muscat General Hospital is being built at $364 million, New Hospitals and Medical Centres is coming up at a cost of $260 million, Masirah Hospital Project at $35 million and Duqm Multi-Specialty Hospital at $18.1 million.
According to Ministry of Health, Oman the chicken pox diseases tops the list and in 2015 as many 21,028 persons suffered from it, while as 18,376 cases were reported in 2014 and 17,903 cases were reported in 2013. Among non-communicable disease 10,172 people suffered from it in 2015; 9,783 person suffered in 2014 and 9,320 people in 2013. Given the size of the population even these number does matter and are of significance. The number of hospitals have gone up from 67 in 2014 to 70 in 2015 and number of the hospital beds too have progressed from 6,322 to 6,468 beds, however there is a dire need for expanding the infrastructure.
Nonetheless, the health care in Oman should cater to the patients suffering from oncology, neurology and gastroenterology diseases so that they don’t have to look for options outside Oman.
Although new medical infrastructure is coming in a huge way at high cost, still denizens of Oman are going out of the country for various medical treatments.