Oman Introduces Health Initiatives to Slash Hospital Waiting Times
Oman’s Ministry of Health has unveiled a series of health initiatives aimed at dramatically reducing waiting times for medical services at Khoula Hospital and Al Nahda Hospital. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services across the country.
Key Focus: Reducing MRI Scan Waiting Times
One of the most significant initiatives focuses on cutting down the waiting times for MRI scans at Khoula Hospital. Under the patronage of Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, the Directorate General of Khoula Hospital has committed to conducting 12,000 MRI scans over the next year. With a daily target of 45 to 50 scans on weekdays and 20 on weekends, this initiative aims to bring down the MRI appointment wait time to less than four weeks. This is a marked improvement from the previous waiting period, which could extend up to 16 months in 2021 and 2022.
Expanding Endoscopy Services
In addition to the MRI initiative, the Ministry is also expanding endoscopy services at both Khoula and Al Nahda hospitals. The number of endoscopy rooms will increase from one to three, significantly reducing waiting times for these procedures. The goal is to cut down the wait for endoscopy appointments from one year to just two months, with a further target of bringing routine appointment waits down to four weeks.
Surgical Initiatives for Faster Treatment
The Ministry has launched several surgical initiatives to further reduce waiting times. One such initiative aims to perform 1,000 tonsil and adenoid removal surgeries within a year, at a rate of 83 surgeries per month. To support this, operating rooms in Khoula Hospital’s Day Care Building have been activated.
In a similar effort, the Ministry plans to conduct 1,000 knee replacement surgeries over the next year, with 27 surgeries scheduled per week, including weekends. This initiative is expected to reduce the waiting time for knee replacements from 700 days to just 120 days.
Cataract Surgery Focus
Cataract surgeries are another focus of the Ministry’s efforts. Over the next year, the plan is to perform 1,500 cataract surgeries, with 1,000 at Al-Nahda Hospital and 500 at Khoula Hospital. These surgeries are expected to reduce the waiting list by 50%, with an average of eight surgeries scheduled per day.
Evening Clinics and Special Needs Services
To further ease the burden on hospital services, an evening clinic has been activated at Al-Nahda Hospital’s Dentistry and Oral, Maxillofacial Surgery Department. Over the next three months, this clinic will treat more than 900 patients, aiming to reduce emergency case wait times to two weeks and routine appointments to less than six weeks.
Additionally, the Ministry has launched a program to expedite urgent dental treatments for special needs patients. This initiative aims to complete these treatments under general anesthesia within four months, supported by an increase in the number of operating rooms available during weekdays.
Revenue Cycle Management Initiative
Beyond patient care, the Ministry has also introduced a revenue cycle management initiative at Khoula Hospital. This initiative is designed to improve the operational efficiency of the hospital’s billing system, thereby enhancing its financial performance. This step is seen as crucial for maintaining Khoula Hospital’s role as a key center for emergencies and disaster response.
