The Ministry of Health in Muscat has launched several health initiatives to address challenges and reduce waiting lists for medical services provided at Khoula Hospital and Al Nahda Hospital. The initiatives aim to ensure the continuity and sustainability of services in both hospitals. The launching ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health.
One of the key initiatives announced is the goal to conduct 12,000 MRI scans at Khoula Hospital over the next year. This involves performing 45 to 50 scans daily during weekdays and 20 scans on weekends, totaling 1,000 MRI scans each month. The aim is to significantly reduce waiting times for MRI appointments to less than 4 weeks, compared to up to 16 months in previous years.
Another initiative focuses on reducing waiting lists for endoscopies by expanding the endoscopy unit at both hospitals from one to three rooms. This expansion aims to shorten the waiting period from one year to two months, with plans to further reduce waiting time to four weeks for routine appointments. The endoscopy unit at Al Nahda Hospital will also be activated to support this effort.
The Ministry of Health’s initiatives also include performing 1,000 tonsil and adenoid removal surgeries within a year, with 83 surgeries planned each month. Additionally, 1,000 knee replacement surgeries will be conducted, with 27 surgeries per week and an increase in weekly appointments over time. The goal is to reduce the waiting time for these surgeries from 700 days to 120 days during the initiative, including weekends for surgeries.
In addition, the initiatives involve carrying out 1,500 cataract surgeries within a year, with a focus on reducing waiting lists by 50%. The activation of an evening clinic for the Dentistry and Oral, Maxillofacial Surgery Department at Al-Nahda Hospital aims to treat more than 900 patients over the next 3 months, reducing waiting times for emergency cases to two weeks and routine appointments to six weeks.
A program is also in place to complete the treatment of urgent dental cases for patients with special needs under general anesthesia within 4 months. This program seeks to reduce surgical wait times by increasing the number of operating rooms available for dental procedures for special needs patients under general anesthesia during weekdays.
Furthermore, an initiative to manage the revenue cycle at Khoula Hospital aims to enhance the operational efficiency of the billing system and improve financial performance. This initiative is crucial as Khoula Hospital serves as a center for emergencies and disasters. The Ministry of Health’s initiatives demonstrate a commitment to improving access to medical services, reducing waiting times, and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services in Muscat.
