Ministry of Health of Oman – History, Strategic Plans & Policies

These flashcards cover the MoH website, historical milestones of Oman’s health system, Royal Decrees, multi-phase health development plans, National Health Policies, the WHO–Oman cooperation strategy, and the National Drug Policy.

Which online resource should be checked regularly for updates about the Omani healthcare market?

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Oman website.

List the three introductory objectives of the lecture.

1) Introduce the Ministry of Health of Oman website, 2) Review the history of Oman’s healthcare system, 3) Learn about the MoH strategic plans.

How many hospitals existed in Oman before 1970 and which was the first to open?

Only two hospitals existed; the first was the Missionary Knox Memorial Hospital opened in 1935 by the American Arabian Mission.

What was Oman’s physician-to-population ratio before 1970?

1 physician for every 50,000 people (only 13 physicians nationwide).

State the infant and under-five mortality rates in Oman prior to 1970.

1 in 8 infants died before age one, and 1 in 5 children died before age five.

What was the average life expectancy in Oman in 1970, and how did it change by 2021?

Life expectancy was 49.3 years in 1970 and rose to 72.5 years by 2021.

Which Royal Decree formally established Oman’s Ministry of Health and in what month and year?

A Royal Decree issued in August 1970 established the Ministry of Health.

What did Royal Decree #26/75 (July 1975) accomplish for Oman’s health sector?

It introduced laws regulating the administration of the healthcare system and defined the powers and responsibilities of the MoH and other government bodies.

What key service principle has characterized Oman’s modern national health system since the 1970s?

Universally accessible health services provided free of charge to all Omani citizens.

In which year did Oman begin its series of five-year health development plans?

1976.

What was the primary focus of Phase 1 (1976-1990) of Oman’s health development plans?

Investment in building health infrastructure.

Name two major outcomes of Phase 2 (1991-2005) of Oman’s health development plans.

1) Creation of 10 health regions, 2) Increased numbers of health centres and hospitals with greater decentralization.

During the first plan of Phase 3 (2006-2010), which two themes were emphasized for disease prevention?

Primary health-care strengthening and early disease prevention through community health education.

What national workforce strategy was promoted during the 2006-2010 health plan?

Omanisation – developing a self-reliant Omani health workforce.

Which strategic initiative was pursued in the second plan (2011-2015) to improve information flow in health facilities?

Implementation of an e-Health strategy using information and communication technology across all health institutions.

What long-term vision was referenced in the 2011-2015 health plan?

Health Vision 2050.

What population groups were given special focus in the third plan (2016-2020) of Phase 3?

Women and children, with goals to reduce maternal and child mortality and morbidity.

Identify the overarching framework guiding the fourth plan (2021-2025) between WHO and Oman.

The Country Cooperation Strategy (WHO–Oman).

List the first two objectives of the WHO–Oman Country Cooperation Strategy (2021-2025).

1) Move toward universal health coverage, 2) Protect people from health emergencies and eliminate priority diseases.

What are objectives 3–5 of the WHO–Oman Cooperation Strategy (2021-2025)?

3) Promote healthier lifestyles and well-being, 4) Expand digital technologies and data for policy-making, 5) Broaden partnerships for global and regional health diplomacy.

According to the National Health Policy (2011 onward), what is the goal regarding primary and specialized care?

Make primary and specialized healthcare available to all people and achieve health indicators comparable to developed countries.

How does the National Health Policy aim to address infectious and parasitic diseases among children and students?

By implementing preventive measures aimed at eradication, especially in children and school pupils.

What workforce goal is emphasized in Oman’s National Health Policy?

Develop and train Omani health professionals to improve Omanisation levels.

When was the updated Oman National Health Policy officially launched, and what main priority does it add?

9 April 2025; it prioritizes sustainability, governance, and stronger cross-sector partnerships.

Which emerging challenges does the 2025 National Health Policy specifically target?

The rise in non-communicable diseases, a growing elderly population, and sustainable health financing.

What is the principal goal of Oman’s National Drug Policy adopted in 2000?

To harness drugs’ potential to control common diseases and alleviate suffering within national resources.

Give three key components addressed by Oman’s National Drug Policy.

Legislation & regulation, drug registration & control, procurement and price control (among others such as quality assurance and rational use).

How does the National Drug Policy express government commitment to the health sector?

By serving as a guide for action for all parties involved in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.