Muscat: The development of a decentralized health system that meets international standards has been designated as a top priority, according to Dr. Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, in response to the annual report from the Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.
The Ministry of Health aims to increase life expectancy from 64.7 years in 2022 to 70 years by 2040 by expanding the capacity of hospitals and health centers and investing in modern medical technology.
To achieve a healthier society, there is a need for increased investment in preventive programs, which are crucial for reducing morbidity and preventing health challenges. This includes initiatives such as early cancer screenings and expanding programs for hereditary blood diseases and chronic disease screening.
Universal Health Coverage Program
The Universal Health Coverage Program includes initiatives like the ‘Expanded Program on Immunization,’ which aims to broaden vaccination coverage for diseases such as Human papillomavirus (HPV), influenza, and meningitis. The Ministry has also enhanced health screenings during pregnancy and after childbirth, introducing an early newborn screening program that covers 22 metabolic diseases.
These efforts have led to a significant reduction in maternal and child mortality rates. In environmental health, the Ministry focuses on expanding screenings to detect toxins and pollutants, contributing to a healthier and safer environment for society.
The Ministry’s strategy also emphasizes combating non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions by implementing a national plan to prevent these diseases and raising community awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles.
Moreover, the Ministry aims to enhance the health system’s capabilities in combating infectious diseases and advancing organ transplantation and artificial intelligence, which will improve health services.
Organ Transplantation
The Ministry has issued regulatory standards to protect the rights of donors and recipients, allowing organ donation after death based on a written will or consent from a guardian. The first phase (2023-2024) has seen a notable increase in kidney, liver, and cornea transplants, with plans to initiate heart and lung transplants by 2026 in the second phase.
The national genomic database is a significant initiative in Oman, given the country’s high rates of genetic diseases. This project aims to secure genomic data, enhance diagnosis and treatment, and contribute to a knowledge-based economy, potentially saving millions in healthcare costs.
National Digital Health Strategy
The National Digital Health Strategy seeks to leverage Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as virtual medicine, artificial intelligence, and big data to enhance healthcare. Key strategic projects include developing a visual and digital identity for health institutions, establishing a company that offers innovative digital health solutions, and achieving full cloud transformation by 2025.
Artificial intelligence will play a role in improving medical diagnosis, analyzing medical data, and early disease detection. Technologies like 3D printing and robotics are being used to deliver personalized healthcare, while the National Center for Virtual Health aims to enhance digital healthcare services.
The expatriate medical examination service has been transferred to the private sector, along with new procedures for managing and treating latent tuberculosis through IGRA examinations within the expatriate labor fitness program. A strategy has been developed to electronically link with the Royal Oman Police for authenticating external fitness certificates before issuing visas.
Kidney Transplants
Collaborative efforts among government sectors and public and private health institutions have successfully improved health security and quality of life for kidney failure patients. The kidney transplant program from living donors has increased operations at the Royal Hospital to 311, with an expected rise to about 40 operations in 2024, up from the previous annual average of 12 to 14.
Notably, 99 percent of births are now under medical supervision. The health plan also includes implementing routine HIV testing for patients aged 16 to 65 admitted to internal medicine departments in reference and state hospitals, alongside opening 14 clinics to treat HIV in all governorates.
