Oman Medical Insurance News
The sultanate of Oman is the third largest country in the Arabian Peninsula region, following Saudi Arabia and the republic of Yemen. Oman is located on the southeastern corner of the peninsula with an approximate population of around about, 3.41 million people.
Omani political and social power is held exclusively by the sultan. On August 1970 he set a Royal Decree establishing the Ministry of Health for Oman, and set in concrete endorsements for health for all Omani citizens, guaranteeing access to health services free of charge. The Omani health system is based on three levels of health care delivery: primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare. In the short three decades of his rule he has turned the Omani healthcare system right around, from the once backwater health services provided to standards now on par with many other industrialized and developed countries.
Prior to 1970 and the establishment of the Ministry of Health public healthcare in Oman had not been properly set up and attaining healthcare services were hard to find and extremely expensive. There were only 2 hospitals and 9 clinics, with a total of 12 beds between them, servicing the Muscat region, the most populated region of Oman. There were less than 100 people employed in the health industry as a whole, infectious diseases were prevalent amongst the population due to contaminated water supplies and lack of sewage a system and Due to this Oman had a very high child mortality rate.
Since the foundation of the Ministry of health, hospital numbers have increased dramatically pushing down the child mortality rate significantly and increasing the life expectancy of Omani citizens greatly. There is now at least one major hospital for each region of Oman which focuses on providing high quality out patient and in patient services covering various specialist areas. Currently in Oman the Ministry of Health runs 48 hospitals throughout the Omani region. Of these 13 are referral hospitals and an extensive ambulance coverage network has been set up to further insure high quality health services are available for the citizens of Oman.
Oman has been ranked by the World Health Organization as the most efficient health system in the world. This ranking was given taking a number of factors into account including, infant mortality rates and life expectancy in proportion to amount of money spent by the government on health. Oman, who ranked first, used the money spent on most efficiently as they were able to make the most gains in lowering the infant mortality rate and increasing life expectancy.
The morbidity pattern of Oman is currently shifting quite rapidly from communicable diseases that affect developing nations to health problems that are related to and face the modern lifestyle, including diabetes and obesity. Immunization levels have also been high amongst children in recent years with 98% of children being fully immunized against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and measles.
Overall Oman has a well rounded healthcare service. As is true with any country in the world, there are some problems inherent in the system; however most people are able to receive the care that they need when they need it, except of course if you happen to be in the desert. The only way to avoid the issues and concerns of any healthcare system in the world is through a quality international health insurance plan. These plans give you the flexibility to go to the doctor or hospital of your choice, meaning that no matter where in the world you may be located, from Australia to the United Kingdom, you will always be able to receive the highest standard of care available.
For more information about the Oman healthcare system, insurance in Oman, or to receive a free comprehensive international health insurance quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisers today.
For more information about Oman, the international health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.