Health insurance scheme

A major step for the success of the scheme is the creation of an electronic platform linking the insurers, health service providers and state regulators. Such a link is an essential requirement in controlling the provision of basic health services and medications.

Rashid Amer Al Maslahi, Vice Chairman for Administrative and Financial Affairs, OCCI said: “The meeting is the second in the campaign which started in North Al Batinah and embodies the community partnership with employers in the private sector institutions. It offers an opportunity to introduce “Dhamani” and the proposed implementation methods as well as being an opportunity to exchange views and explore the opportunities and benefits the community will gain from health insurance.”

He added that OCCI is an essential partner in the health insurance scheme as it represents the link between the public and private institutions and the voice of businessmen. The meeting, he said, embodies the partnership between the public and private sectors in the planning and execution of important decisions in the national interest.

The CMA estimates the National Health Insurance scheme would contribute to the development of health service infrastructure. Social workers working in Oman welcomed the idea. Mohammed Zaeem, General Secretary of Pakistan Social Club Oman told Times of Oman,

“We have seen substantial number of cases of blue-collar workers in our community presenting almost every month with medical bills that were not covered by their sponsors. However, the Ministry of Social Development was extremely helpful in bailing out some cases. This new law, making medical insurance mandatory for everyone working in the Sultanate, will definitely ease the burden on both nationals and expatriates, as well as helping to avoid some illnesses and conditions becoming chronic”