Health
WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE
In 1979 Oman had just a few hospital beds and 21 physicians. Today, there are more than 8,600 doctors with over 60 community, tertiary and referral hospitals and Oman is rated one of the fastest developing countries in human development T oday, 95 per cent of the Omani population lies within five miles of a medical centre. A huge achievement in just 40 years. With a growing private sector, there are increasing opportunities. According to the GCC Healthcare Industry report published by Alpen Capital, current healthcare expenditure in Oman is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1 per cent to $4.9 billion in 2022, fuelled by an expanding population, mandatory healthcare insurance and rising cost of care.
UICC World Cancer Congress 2021 “This year we have introduced an international oncology update. We have three days with clinicians involved, but without drug advertising, creating a very ethical way of presenting cancer management and control. Interactive discussions between experts and non-experts will mimic evidence-based medicine. Delegates from over 170 countries are coming, all attendees will be put in touch with other congresses on Webinar, especially in low and middle income countries, to see how we can support them. “We also fund training and scholarships for staff in strife-ridden or poor countries. Our holistic approach includes regulatory bodies and the private sector so that people can learn how to register cancer cases and how to access private funds. Oman is a country in which to see the positive impact of consultation amongst people working together.” Dar Al Hanan OCA established the landmark project Dar Al Hanan (Home Away from Home) in 2011 for children with cancer across the country to tackle difficulties with transport and accommodation. Children and their families get free accommodation, meals and shuttle services to and from treatment at either the Royal Hospital or Sultan Qaboos University Hospital.
“Oman is one of the co-founders of the International Cancer Prevention Consortium – ICPC. The OCA has made dramatic progress in awareness, prevention and cure, working within Oman, and supporting low and middle income countries in the region through the ICPC. Oman has won numerous awards for its landmark projects changing attitudes to cancer. The National Cancer Control Plan’s awareness programme has reduced cases of late stage three breast cancer from 85 per cent to 21 per cent in just nine years. We are proud to be a chosen destination for the upcoming UICC World Cancer Congress” Dr Wahid Al Kharusi, President, Oman Cancer Association
“Oman is a young country, but progress since 1970 puts us on par with any of the leading countries. We are among world leaders on vaccinations, we provide continuity of care for mother and baby until the age of two, irrespective of clinic attended, something I have not seen elsewhere. We have combined clinics for women with gynaecological cancer so that patients can be seen by all relevant specialists. This, plus regular hospital meetings on morbidity and mortality, has decreased maternal mortality. “We are now starting a big new chapter in Oman: we have won the prestigious World Congress of the Royal College of Gynaecologists 2024, with around 3,000 delegates, chosen over Abu Dhabi and Dubai both because of our academic offering and because of our people and the beauty of the country. We are very proud to show what we can do.” Dr Noor Al Mandhari, Senior Consultant Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy; Honoured Member Omani Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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