Service fees reduced to support health sector
In an effort to attract investments in the health sector in alignment with directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a decision to amend the service fees structure for private health institutions.
H E Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, has issued Ministerial Decision No 71/2024, specifying fees for services provided by MOH, effective from March 17, 2024.
Dr Muhanna bin Nasser bin Rashid al Musalhi, Director General of Private Health Institutions in MOH, highlighted the Ministerial Decision's focus on supporting the private health sector. It entails the abolition of fees for more than ten services, including those related to hospital establishment, addition of specialities, immunisation activities, data amendment, ambulance services, and approval of medical reports and sick leave, with the aim of encouraging the private health sector.
Licensing fee for institutions has been reduced and validity period increased. “These amendments not only support the private health sector but also take into account the interests of the society. The fee adjustments extend to pharmacies, pharmaceutical factories, registration of pharmaceutical companies, health preparations, and licences for Omani medical and paramedical categories with the aim of promoting Omanisation in private health institutions,” Dr Musalhi added.
Moh's efforts to support investments in the sector and establishment of health institutions include granting initial approval for 16 private hospitals and 215 private health institutions, mostly located outside Muscat governorate. The ministry actively supervises the private health sector through regular visits in collaboration with partner departments in the governorates. It works closely with other supervisory bodies such as Consumer Protection Authority, Muscat Municipality and Royal Oman Police, addressing violations and ensuring compliance.
Dr Musalhi highlighted the ministry's confidence in the private health sector. Additionally, it allows Omani physicians from the government sector to work as visiting doctors in private health institutions after official working hours. “MOH encourages private health institutions to respond to a questionnaire to evaluate the performance of evaluation teams during visits.”
He emphasised the positive outcomes of a health laboratory held last year, including establishment of an academy for dental specialities training. More than 200 Omani dentists have been employed in the private sector, and plans are afoot to provide specialised training in various dental specialities.
These initiatives and programmes of MOH aim to support the private health sector and contribute to the economic development of the sultanate.
These amendments not only support the private health sector but also take into account the interests of the society DR MUHANNA AL MUSALHI