Dossier - June 09

1HEALTHCARE - AN INDUSTRY REPORT 2009-2010

Concept and content byAkshay BhatnagarSusmita DeFatma Al ArimiMohammed Fahmi

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POWER OF BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

EDITORIAL

1

From just one 12-bed hospital in 1970, the healthcare infrastructure in Oman has come a long way. The

credit for the major strides made by Oman in the healthcare standards in a short span goes primarily to

the Ministry of Health. The government has been aggressively spearheading innovations and improve-

ments in the healthcare infrastructure, creating new institutions and programmes such as ‘Five-Year Health

Development Plans’ to fulfill the health needs as well as address potent threats emerging from health problems.

If we look at the healthcare indicators, Oman has put up an impressive show. For a population of roughly 3 mil-

lion people, Oman has 59 hospitals, 159 health centers, 5000 doctors and overall workforce of 28,875 employed

in the healthcare sector. The numbers will be much higher today as the numbers given above are for the data

upto 2007 only. In the last few years following the policy of decentralisation, the government has encouraged

the private sector to expand their network and scope of services. As a result, numbers of new healthcare com-

panies have opened their facilities not just in the main cities but in the interior as well.

On the positive side, communicable diseases are under control in Oman. Take for example, the deadly ill-

nesses such as Swine flu which has affected many parts of the world have not created any impact in Oman.

But lifestyle-related diseases are rising in number especially in the urban areas. Many people are suffering from

problems such as obesity and diabetes. A concerted effort by the government, NGOs and even private sector

companies is underway to spread awareness on healthy eating, regular exercising and stress management to

address the issue.

Another area of concern for Oman is HIV/AIDS. At the end of 2008, Oman had 1,119 registered cases of HIV/AIDS

among Omanis. Not a very high number but it is believed that almost 100 new cases are added every year. To

avoid further spread of HIV/AIDS in Oman, a two-year National Aids Community Awareness Campaign has been

launched. The new campaign, called “Let’s Talk About AIDS”, is aimed at reducing discrimination to people liv-

ing with HIV/AIDS in the country and increase awareness on the prevention of HIV/AIDS among young people.

In recognition of the advancement made by Oman in healthcare infrastructure and services, OER Dossier has

brought out this special publication HEALTHCARE – AN INDUSTRY REPORT 2009-10, which provides an in-depth

report on the healthcare infrastructure in detail and presents the views and interviews of relevant industry

experts. It extensively covers various branches within healthcare such as hospitals and clinics, pharmaceuticals,

medical equipment, alternative medicine and therapies, dental clinics, eye clinics, fitness centres and fitness

equipment, etc.

If you have any feedback or a suggestion to make, please do contact us.

Akshay Bhatnagar

[email protected]

Healthy Living

HEALTHCARE - AN INDUSTRY REPORT 2009-20102

CONTENTS

Quality Medical Services4A Comprehensive Overview of Oman’s Healthcare sector -- a long–term priority for the Sultanate.

16 Towards e-health

50 For your eyes only

I N F O C U S Special Features

22 HOSPITAL & POLYCLINICS

30 DENTAL CARE

32 HEALTH INSURANCE

38 FITNESS EQUIPMENT

40 FITNESS CENTRES

44 ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES & THERAPIES

48 EYE CARE

54 PHARMACEUTICALS

56 EVENT FEATURE

57 HEALTH DIRECTORY

Sponsored features

24 MUSCAT PRIVATE HOSPITAL

26 HATAT POLYCLINIC

27 ATLAS STAR MEDICAL CENTRE

28 APOLLO MEDICAL CENTRE

34 FALCON INSURANCE COMPANY SAOC

35 NATIONAL LIFE AND GENERAL

INSURANCE COMPANY SAOC

36 OMAN QATAR INSURANCE COMPANY

41 MUSCAT SPORTS

42 SPORTS SOLUTIONS LLC

46 ALL SEASON AYURVEDA CLINIC

52 MUSCAT PHARMACY & STORES LLC


When Sultan Qaboos bin Said

Al Said became the leader of

Oman in 1970, there were two

small hospitals with a total of 12

beds and 13 physicians – or one physician

per 50,000 people. In the relatively short

amount of time since then, the Sultanate’s

health care system has become one of the

government’s most-lauded achievements.

The current system is modern and well-

funded, and has proven itself adept at

reducing significantly or eliminating

entirely health problems that were com-

mon 38 years ago. This success can largely

be attributed to the state’s five-year health

plans, the first of which was put in place in

1976. Currently the country is in the midst

of the seventh five-year plan (2006-10),

which is primarily focused on ensuring the

quality of primary health care services; edu-

cating and training Omanis in preventive

health and health awareness; decentralising

the Ministry of Health (MoH) and encourag-

ing autonomy in hospitals and clinics; and

attracting and training more Omani doctors

and nurses.

These measures were developed in response

to the health challenges that Oman is cur-

rently facing and will continue to face over

the next decade. While the state has had

much success in the eradication of most

communicable diseases, non-communica-

Fit for the future

The MoH and other

government entities

own and run 93% of

the country’s hospitals

and control 98% of

total hospital beds.

The state employs

78% of the doctors

and 93% of the nurses

in the Sultanate. The

public sector accounts

for 98% of in-patient

visits and 81% of out-

patient visits

OVERVIE W

Photo Courtesy: Oman Medical College

ble diseases, such as obesity and glucose-

intolerance, are on the rise, as they are in the

rest of the Gulf. Because the MoH is focused

on providing basic care for the majority of

Omanis, it has faced challenges in a number

of specialty areas, such as mental health

(including psychology and psychiatry) and

geriatric care.

These services need to be further developed.

Finally, the population of Oman is growing

at a rapid 3.2%, which will eventually cause

financial trouble for the state-subsidised

health care industry. Thus, the government

is beginning to consider the merits of priva-

tising the sector, although no concrete plans

have yet been made.

ORGANISATION: Health care in Oman is

officially divided into the following nine geo-

graphical areas: Muscat, Al Batinah, Ash Shar-

qiyah, Ad Dakhliyah, Adh Dhahirah, Al Wusta,

Dhofar, Al Buraymi and Musandam. Each area

is administered by regional MoH offices, which

are overseen by a head office in Muscat.

This region-centric scheme was developed

and then put in place in the early 1990s.

In 1993 the MoH instituted health direc-

torates at the wilayat (district) level for even

more localised care. Finally, in 2000, individ-

ual hospitals were given complete control

over their affairs.

Eight years later, the high level of localisa-

tion in Oman has not completely sunk in yet

and some regional and local health directo-

rates continue to rely on the national office

for direction. With this in mind, one of the

major goals of the seventh five-year plan

is the promotion of regionalisation within

each of these areas. By 2010 the MoH hopes

that all regions will be autonomous in terms

of “decision making in specified technical,

administrative and financial affairs”.

Health care for citizens is heavily subsidised

in the Sultanate. Omanis are responsible

only for an annual payment of OR1 ($2.67)

and a 200-baisa ($0.53) fee each time they

receive medical treatment at a public clinic

or hospital. According to Mohammed Has-

san, the undersecretary of planning at the

MoH, the fee is meant to “remind people

that they have to pay something, that health

Region

Muscat

Dhofar

Ad Dakhliyah

Al Sharqiyah (North)

Al Sharqiyah (South)

South Al Batinah

North Al Batinah

Adh Dhahirah

Al Buraimi

Musandam

Al Wusta

TOTAL

Total institutions

32

35

25

19

21

25

17

14

5

7

8

208

MoH institutions by region, 2007

Source: MoH Annual Health Report, 2007


care is not entirely free and should not be

taken for granted.” Subsidising health care

in the Sultanate has not been cheap for the

government for the past five years, due to

Oman’s fast-growing population. “Costs are

an ongoing challenge, of course,” said Has-

san. “In 10 years time we will have to spend

double what we spend right now and, con-

sequently, we will have to resort to alterna-

tive financing.”

Private health insurance is on offer in the

Sultanate, although there are not many

choices and most are out of reach financially

to the majority of Omanis. According to Has-

san, the state has examined the possibility of

instituting compulsory private health insur-

ance in depth, although no decisions will be

made until further review.

BY THE NUMBERS: Health care in Oman

is still primarily based in the public sec-

tor, which accounts for 81% of total health

expenditure. In addition to the MoH, which

is the primary health care provider in Oman

by a substantial percentage, the state runs a

small number of other health-related gov-

ernment entities, including Armed Forces

Medical Services, Royal Oman Police Medi-

cal Services, Petroleum Development Oman

Medical Services and the Sultan Qaboos

University Hospital.

The MoH and these other government

entities own and run 93% of the country’s

hospitals and control 98% of total hospital

beds. The state employs 78% of the doctors

and 93% of the nurses in the Sultanate. The

public sector accounts for 98% of in-patient

visits, 81% of out-patient visits and 41% of

dental care visits.

There are currently 59 hospitals with 5367

beds in Oman, up from 52 hospitals and

3873 beds in 1990 and 30 hospitals and 1879

beds in 1980. Additionally, there are 204 gov-

ernment-run and 787 private health cen-

tres, clinics and dispensaries. The Sultanate

boasts 4908 doctors, or 17.9 per 10,000 of

the total population, up from 3258 and 13.6,

respectively, in 2000. There are also 10,394

nurses, 524 dentists and 916 pharmacists in

the country. The average life span in Oman is

currently around 74.3 years, up from just 49

years in 1970. The infant mortality rate is 10.1

per 1000 live births, down from 64 in 1980

and 118 in 1972, and the country’s maternal

mortality rate is 22.9 per 100,000 live births,

in line with regional standards.

In 2007 the Sultanate spent OR247.6m

($645.5m) on health care, which represents

around 3% of GDP. This percentage is lower

than the regional average of 4.5%, but gov-

ernment officials are quick to point out that

the state has one of the best health care

networks in the Gulf and simply does not

need to spend more. “There is no difference

between the quality of health care Omanis

receive in central Muscat and the remote,

rural regions of the country,” said Hassan.

This claim is impressive for the second-larg-

est country in the Gulf.

REGULATION: Even though the Sultanate

only recently instituted any sort of regula-

tory body for the health care industry, in

the form of the MoH’s quality assurance and

improvement committee, external audits

have shown that Oman has consistently

lived up to regional standards over the past

five years. A number of international health-

related organisations are active in the Sul-

tanate, and the majority have mostly posi-

tive things to say about the sector. “The MoH

has international standards in place, and has

recently affected decentralisation, which is

very, very important,” said Jihane Tawilah,

the World Health Organisation’s (WHO)

Oman representative.

THE PRIVATE SECTOR: Despite the fact

that the Sultanate has a high-quality pub-

lic health care system, the private sector

has flourished over the past few years. This

can be attributed in large part to the MoH,

which has embraced the private sector in a

number of important ways. For example, pri-

vate firms currently provide the majority of

the support services in public hospitals and

health centres. The private sector also plays

a major role in pharmaceuticals and the

dental care.

Photo Courtesy: Atlas Medical Centre

OVERVIE W


Privately owned hospitals also play a small

but important role in Oman, primarily serv-

ing the expatriate community, which is only

eligible for public health care with corporate

sponsorship, although a growing number

of Omanis have been checking into private

institutions over the past five years as well.

The government is pushing for Omanis to

take advantage of the private health sec-

tor as a way of relieving some of the pres-

sure on the public system. “Private hospitals

and clinics are not just for expatriates and

wealthy Omanis,” said Salim Zingi, the direc-

tor-general for private health care establish-

ments at the MoH. “They are for everyone.”

The private sector also plays the important

role of increasing competition and, subse-

quently, quality, across both the public and

private sectors. “In general, the private sec-

tor is more dynamic than the public sector,

but the public sector can offer more serv-

ices because it is so big,” said Gerard Strong,

the former director of Muscat Private Hospi-

tal, the Sultanate’s first privately owned and

operated hospital.

The state is eager to attract more private

investment to Oman and has put in place a

number of economic incentives with this in

mind. “The government offers soft loans and,

in some cases, free or subsidised land to pri-

vate entrepreneurs who want to set up clin-

ics or hospitals in the country,” said Hassan.

“The MoH also offers technical support to

private establishments.” The private health

care industry is set to grow substantially

over the next decade, but it is not expected

to overtake the public sector.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Omanisa-

tion is a continuing challenge in the health

care sector, as relatively few Omanis have

completed the necessary training to be

hired as doctors.

The government has listed medical train-

ing at all levels as a high priority for the past

15 years and has put in place a number of

programmes to ensure that Omanis will

eventually make up the primary workforce

in the industry. The MoH currently operates

16 medical education facilities, including 11

basic nursing institutes. By the end of the

seventh five- year plan in 2010, Omanisation

levels across the industry are expected to

jump to 81% overall, up from 67% in 2006

and 68% in 2007. Currently, only 29% of phy-

sicians working in the Sultanate are Omani,

although this is set to rise over the next few

years as citizens graduate from local medi-

cal schools and enter the work-force. The

College of Medicine and Health Services at

Sultan Qaboos University and the privately

owned Oman Medical College operate the

country’s two medical doctor programmes,

and both have expanded intake in recent

years in order to meet demand.

UPCOMING CHALLENGES: The primary

health care challenge in Oman has much to

do with preventive care. “Lifestyle diseases

are on the rise,” said Tawilah, the WHO rep-

resentative. “Consequently, the MoH needs

to focus on community participation and

instilling a culture of health in Oman.”

The government has necessarily spent the

majority of the past 38 years bringing the

country up to speed in terms of the most

basic health indicators and infrastructure.

In this time, the MoH has nearly eradicated

most communicable diseases, but has

begun to pay more attention to non-com-

municable diseases, which are increasing

across the region.

“By the year 2020, non-communicable dis-

eases are expected to account for seven out

of every 10 deaths in Oman,” said Hassan.

“The challenge is to promote behavioural

change in the population and to dissemi-

nate such change nationally.” In response to

this issue, the MoH has teamed up with the

WHO to establish community-based health

projects across the country that are meant

to educate the populace and, ultimately,

control the risk factors associated with major

non- communicable diseases. The WHO has

also been working with the MoH to shore up

weak spots in the national health infrastruc-

ture. The international institution has called

attention to the widespread lack of mental

health-related services and the issue of

occupational health care.

OUTLOOK: The Sultanate’s health care

industry has proven it can overcome major

challenges in a short amount of time. In the

process it has become one of the most suc-

cessful sectors in Oman. Certain challenges

remain, but the government is aware of its

capabilities and has shown that when it

comes to health care, it can carry out com-

plex tasks on a large scale. The growing

contribution of the private sector is seen as

a positive change in the industry and will

likely become integral to the system over

the coming decade.

OVERVIE W

Photo Courtesy: Euro-Arabian Specialist Dental Care


The contemporary history of health

care in Oman dates back to 1970 when

the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos

commenced. Since that time, Oman

has witnessed rapid and significant improve-

ments in the health industry that were made

possible largely because of the country’s suc-

cess in building a state-of-the-art health care

infrastructure.

During the years of development, the govern-

ment of Oman crafted a health policy based

upon several basic principles: provision of

comprehensive public and personal health

services to its population free of charge,

equity in the distribution of health services

among different population groups, respon-

siveness to health and non-health needs of

the community, community involvement in

planning and implementation of its health

care, and intersectoral cooperation with other

health-related sectors.

The health care system in the Sultanate is

primarily based in the public sector, which

accounts for 81% of the total health expendi-

ture. The public sector, consisting of the Min-

istry of Health (MoH) and other government

entities, runs 93% of the hospitals and 98% of

the hospital beds. It employs 78% of the phy-

sicians, 93% of the nurses and 85% of other

paramedics.

The public sector takes care of 98% of the

inpatient days, 81% of the outpatient visits

and 41% of the dental care visits. Health serv-

ices in Oman have witnessed tremendous

growth since 1970. The sector comprises a

total of 59 hospitals, with 5367 beds.

More than 97% of the population has access

to primary health care services, while the oth-

ers are served through mobile teams. More

than 98% of children are fully immunised

against childhood diseases. About 99% of

pregnant mothers are registered for antena-

tal care services.

The epidemiologic transition from commu-

nicable to non-communicable diseases that

is taking place in Oman has dictated the

type of curative services made available in its

hospitals. All referral hospitals are equipped

with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic

technologies.

These hospitals host 25 specialties and sub-

specialties that provide the most advanced

diagnostic and curative services. An oncology

centre has been established recently in Mus-

cat and there are already plans for establish-

ing three specialised centres for treating car-

diovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and

genetic disorders.

Currently, advanced surgeries are routinely

performed in Oman’s numerous hospitals,

such as open heart surgery, renal and corneal

transplantations, and joint replacements.

The state of health of the Omani population

has witnessed progressive improvement

over the past years. The crude death rate has

dropped from 13.3 per 1000 people in 1980

to 3.1 in 2007. Life expectancy has increased

to 72 years compared to 49.3 in 1970. The

infant mortality rate and the child mortal-

ity rate have dropped from 118 and 181 per

1000 live births in the early 1970s to 10.1 and

13 in 2007, respectively. Now, morbidity data

shows a clear transition to diseases related to

life style, showing patterns similar to devel-

oped countries.

Cardiovascular diseases, injuries and neo-

plasm are the main causes of morbidity and

mortality. It is important to acknowledge that

such health problems are difficult to control

using the standard public health measures,

and they are mainly related to personal atti-

tudes and practices.

The government’s policy is to encourage

private investment in the health sector by

creating a socio-economic environment

conducive to such contribution. Over the

last decade, the government has laid special

emphasis on the role of the private sector

in the health care industry. It views the con-

tribution of this sector as a complementary

aspect that alleviates the increasing burden

on the public health system.

The government offers soft loans (and free

or subsidised sites in some cases) to private

entrepreneurs that desire to set up clinics or

hospitals in the country. MoH also extends

technical support to private establishments

in several ways.

Development of the private sector, alongside

the public sector health system infrastruc-

ture, has been a contributory factor in signifi-

cantly reducing the number of patients seek-

ing medical treatment abroad.

HE Dr. Ali bin Mohammed bin Moosa, Minister of Health, on the changing

health care system

CARING FOR THE SYSTEM IN OMAN

HE Dr. Ali bin Mohammed bin Moosa

INTERVIE W

HATAT POLY CLINIS


Due in large part to the reputation

of Oman’s Ministry of Health (MoH)

throughout the Gulf, Oman is current-

ly attracting a substantial amount of

private-sector investment in the health care

sector. The government has welcomed pri-

vate companies into the Sultanate in most

industries and has focused especially on

attracting additional health care investment

by offering financial incentives and, in certain

cases, low-cost or free property. “The presence

of a well-functioning private sector creates

positive competition among all health care

providers, thus improving the scope, quality

and efficiency of health care available in the

country,” said Mohammed Hassan, the under-

secretary of planning at the MoH. With this in

mind, it is no surprise that a number of major

development projects are scheduled to take

place in the Sultanate in the near future.

In the works

As the population is

expected to continue

to grow at a record

rate over the next

decade, both the MoH

and the private sector

will have to expand

to meet demand.

However, due to rising

government health

care costs, the private

sector will grow

significantly in terms

of coverage area,

patients served

OVERVIE W



HEALTH CARE CITY: In early 2008 Majan Devel-

opment Company (MDC), an Oman-based

investment firm, announced it was planning

to build a health care city near the capital,

Muscat. The project would cost an estimated

$774m-1.03bn and provided that the cur-

rently ongoing feasibility study is a success,

as it is widely expected to be, the project will

break ground in 2009. The city will be located

on 1 sq km near Al Madina A’Zarqa and will

include hospitals, medical colleges, hotels,

conference halls and a leisure component.

MDC is jointly owned by the Kuwait-based

Gulf Investment House (50%), Sharjah Islamic

Bank, the Ministry of Defence pension fund

and Real Estate Trading (each with 10%),

the public authority for social insurance and

other institutional investors in Oman (20%).

Dr Moopen’s Group, one of the largest health

services companies in the region, recently

opened the Al Raffah Medical Centre in

Sohar and has plans to invest up to OR6m

($15.6m) more in the Sultanate over the

next three years. The Dubai-based firm has

operated hospitals, clinics and pharmacies

throughout the UAE for 20 years, and is now

beginning to expand into other markets. The

facility at Sohar currently offers a range of

services, including general medicine, gynae-

cology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, radiology

and imaging, and dentistry. The firm’s other

projects in Oman include a hospital at Al Ghu-

brah in Muscat, which should be operational

by 2009, and various other smaller clinics and

pharmacies throughout the Sultanate.

The MoH is also in the process of expanding

its net-work. In April 2008 Ali bin Mohammed

bin Moosa, the minister of health, signed a

contract with local construction companies

to build five new health centres in towns

around the country for a total cost of OR4m

($10.4m).

The clinics will offer various basic services,

including general care, dental, maternal and

child care units, immunisation and treat-

ment rooms, X-ray units, medical labs and

pharmacies. The largest of these clinics, to

be located in Sur, will also have a maternity

ward, educational services, staff accommo-

dations and intensive care units. While some

observers have criticised the state for focus-

ing on general care instead of more special-

ised treatment, the MoH is adamant that clin-

ics reportedly meet the health care needs of

85% of Omanis and so should be expanded.

TRAINING INSTITUTE: A government offi-

cial told OBG that the MoH was in the proc-

ess of developing a private health institute

for training and education, which is sorely

needed in the Sultanate, as the state is work-

ing to increase the number of Omani employ-

ees in all sectors. Health care education insti-

tutes are widely acknowledged to be weak

spots in a strong industry, currently only 29%

of the doctors in Oman are citizens, so a new

training centre is a sound investment.

As the population is expected to continue to

grow at a record rate over the next decade,

both the MoH and the private sector will

have to expand to meet demand. Due to ris-

ing government health care costs, the private

sector will grow significantly in terms of cov-

erage area, patients served and quality.

These developments are the initial stage of

commercial health care in Oman, and their

forecasted success should contribute to

determining the role the private sector will

play in the industry in the foreseeable future.

The Healthcare Overview is courtesy Oxford Business Group ‘s Oman 2009 Report

Courtesy: Atlas Medical Centre

OVERVIE W


GUEST COLUMN

Transformation NeededThe region’s healthcare market has

experienced significant develop-

ment in all aspects, including pre-

ventive and curative care, as well

as maternal and infant care. This

is reflected in the improvement in

key healthcare indicators across

the region and in Oman. Though

government health organizations

(Ministry of Health & Other Gov-

ernment Health Institutions) have

a prominent role in provision of healthcare services

to the population, private healthcare institutions also

playing a continuously important role. Proportion of

healthcare services provided by the private health-

care entities in the region has portrayed a consider-

able increase over the last decade.

Yet Healthcare is in crisis. It is now becoming appar-

ent that the current paths of many healthcare sys-

tems around the world will become unsustainable by

2015. This may seem a dramatic conclusion, given the

efforts of strong governmental focus, competent and

dedicated healthcare professionals and anticipated

benefits of genomics, regenerative medicine, and

information-based medicine. Yet, it is also true that

costs are rising rapidly; quality is poor or inconsist-

ent; and access or choice is inadequate. The ability of

government in Oman and the region, to continue to

subsidize and bear these rising costs, is going to be

tested, and will become an increasing burden.

These realities, combined with the emergence of a

fundamentally new environment driven by the dic-

tates of globalization, consumerism, demographic

shifts, the increased burden of disease, and expensive

new technologies and treatments are expected to

force fundamental change on healthcare very soon.

Healthcare systems that fail to address this new envi-

ronment will likely “hit the wall” and require imme-

diate and major forced restructur-

ing – a “lose-lose” scenario for all

stakeholders.

The transformational challenge

facing many healthcare systems

globally is daunting. They must

expand their primary focus on

only episodic care to encompass

the life-long and coordinated

management of preventive, acute,

and proactive chronic care. The

answer lies in managed health care systems, inte-

grated healthcare networks, with a clearly defined

roadmap for achieving e-health status, and transfer-

ring the patient information to the real owners of

that information – the patient, and allowing them

to have a say and stake in the quality of healthcare

they can access and benefit from.

Information-based MedicineInformation-based medicine is the process of

improving existing medical practices through the

effective use and application of information in the

diagnosis and treatment of patients. In order to fully

realize its potential, researchers and practitioners

must possess the ability to access, integrate, and

analyze data encompassing a patient’s clinical his-

tory, genotype (i.e., genetic makeup), and pheno-

type (i.e., the properties produced by the interac-

tion of genotype with the environment). As clinical

care and research become increasingly “digitized,”

this vision is becoming a reality through available

technologies, clinical applications and integrated

medical equipment.

Currently, healthcare organizations around the

world are establishing platforms for information-

based medicine. Australia’s Melbourne Health and

Bio21 have integrated a wide range of databases to

support collaborative research and leverage criti-

By Gautam Dey

Vice President &

Chief Operating Officer

Imtac LLC

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cal biomedical information. In the United

States, The Mayo Clinic provides its clini-

cians and researchers with real-time access

to and search capability of over six million

patient records. Sweden’s Karolinska Insti-

tutet is establishing a national “biobank” – a

biospecimen repository supplemented with

clinical data – that will greatly enhance the

ability of researchers to identify genetic and

environmental factors, and their interplay, in

the cause and outcomes of disease. In each

case, information queries that once required

days, weeks, and even months, now take sec-

onds and minutes.

Integrated information infrastructures for

clinical research will enable and support the

development of advanced Clinical Decision

Support Systems (CDSS). By mining biomed-

ical and outcome data, health researchers

can identify best clinical practices and new

care provision breakthroughs. This knowl-

edge will also be applied at the point of care

to help guide clinicians.

Information-based medicine will help drive

the transformation of healthcare from its

current local and regional sectors into a bor-

derless industry that spans the globe. It will

better enable practitioners to make more

accurate diagnoses and targeted treat-

ments and also help researchers to discover

new cures. Additionally, patients will access

and manage their personal health informa-

tion and share critical information with their

doctors and other caregivers. The enabler

behind such possibilities remains informa-

tion technology and connectivity.

ICT in HealthcareInformation and Communication Technol-

ogy (ICT) is typically one of the top three

expenditures behind medical costs and sala-

ries in healthcare organizations. It is a critical

component of today’s business infrastruc-

ture and at the core of many cost reduction

and risk management initiatives. Moreover,

the healthcare industry is under continu-

ous pressure from government, insurance

and consumer groups to maintain or reduce

administrative and medical costs while

improving patient care and ICT technology

is seen as crucial to this objective.

ICT in Healthcare comprises an array of tech-

nologies that when seen from the perspec-

tive of the hospital is expected to achieve

the following functions:

Be capable of supporting an increasingly

diverse portfolio of applications targeted

at a broad group of stakeholders within

the system. This includes administrative

management, clinical staff, financial and

accounting group, nursing etc.

Make available a broad range of data

and information access tools (comput-

ers, workstations, wireless, telephone,

handhelds, PDAs, etc) to meet the differ-

ent needs of all users

Take advantage of data integration and

user directed tools to provide cost effec-

tive data access and transaction man-

agement across organizations and func-

tions where possible.

Have staff capable of handling the sup-

port requirements of both the diverse

technology requirements as well as

diverse end users.

Perhaps the most far reaching impact on

Healthcare in the GCC is the mandatory

adoption of Universal Health Insurance in

Saudi Arabia and UAE, which are the two

largest economies in the region. This has

opened up the need to have hospital infor-

1.

2.

3.

4.

mation systems (HIS) to generate insurance

claims, process and settle/reconcile pay-

ments. It also needs to be understood that

Claims and Payor/Provider connectivity

systems have the largest spending in the

US market, where healthcare is insurance

driven. While insurance claims in Oman

are still being settled by manual systems,

the cost of manpower in the GCC with the

upsurge in real estate costs, makes manual

claims processing prohibitively expensive.

The lack of enterprise wide penetration of

good Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and

HIS systems in the care provider commu-

nity is a significant inhibitor in the ability

of the private sector health care practices

to comply effectively and participate in this

integrated environment where inter-oper-

ability and real time electronic seamless

information exchange is key to business

success.

An Introduction to Integrated Health Networks As healthcare evolves, healthcare providers

must find innovative solutions to improve

both clinical and business aspects of health-

care delivery. Some of the major causes

of operational ineffectiveness in health-

care are difficulty in gaining access to data

and slow movement of data. Participants

GUEST COLUMN


GUEST COLUMN

in a healthcare ecosystem must collabo-

rate in a network to share clinical informa-

tion to optimize responsiveness, enhance

service integration and achieve seamless

communication.

Today, the internet is mature enough to cre-

ate secure wide area networks that connect

healthcare participants. However, the cost of

implementing such solutions by individual

participants or stakeholders as well as the

technology competence required to facili-

tate such cross-organizational services off-

set the benefits of collaboration.

There exist today collaborative and inte-

grated healthcare network solutions that

connect data source organizations (hospi-

tals, clinics, physicians, patients, laborato-

ries, pharmaceutical companies) with data

review organizations (Government agencies

and health insurers)..

Taking integrated healthcare networks a

step further; one can provide a large number

of online services at lowered costs by deliv-

ering existing applications in a centrally

hosted environment across organizational

boundaries. This can include:

Health insurance claims clearing

Claims eligibility, authorization and

reconciling

Online Appointment Scheduling and

Referrals

Radiology and Laboratory orders and

reporting

e- Prescribing

Tele-medicine

Transcription Services

Decision Support

Regulatory Reporting

Directory of Services

Library Resources

Supply Chain Automation

ó

ó

ó

ó

ó

ó

ó

ó

ó

ó

ó

ó

Shared Administrative Services ( legal serv-

ices, regulated procedures, recruitment)

Payment Portal

VoIP

Video Conferencing

Instant Text Messaging

Benefits of IHNThe benefits of Integrated Health Networks

(IHN) are manifold. The access to clinical

information for providers being upgraded,

data interoperability through standard

vocabulary has increased; insurance claims,

authorization and reconciliation are done in

a more efficient and cost-effective loss less

manner. The other advantages are as fol-

lows: compliance with government regula-

tions, real-time information exchange for

enhanced collaboration, increased efficiency

with reduced opera tional costs and decision

support and management information sys-

tems with performance measures.

ó

ó

ó

ó

ó


The health lifelines of Oman

Within a short span of three

decades, Oman’s health

care infrastructure, with

new institutions and new

programmes has ensured

that Omani residents

have access to best possible treatment at

affordable rate. Even a few years ago, a

good number of Omani residents had to go

abroad for most of the health treatments.

But the scenario has changed for the better.

Now the international class health care facil-

ities have come up across the Sultanate. The

transformation comes full circle with the

active participation of the private sector.

As per the Ministry of National Economy fig-

ures, in 2005, there were 198 hospitals and

health centres in Oman which increased to

218 in 2007. A large number of hospitals

and health centres are run by the govern-

ment. The most prominent government

HOSPITALS & POLYCLINICS

Photo courtesy: Apollo Medical Centre

Oman’s positive

approach to

healthcare has helped

it to develop a very

modern infrastructure.

Here patient care is

facilitated by a fully

computerized and

networked Hospital

Information system, a

state-of-the-art clinical

laboratory, dedicated

doctors and health

care professionals

hospital in Oman is the Royal hospital. It is

an important landmark in the development

of health services in Oman during the Ren-

aissance programme. Established in 1987, it

is a large, tertiary, acute-care hospital which

provides state-of-the-art services in the

specialties and sub-specialties of medicine,

surgery, pediatrics, obstetric and gynaecol-

ogy, oncology, and laboratory medicine. The

other leading hospitals are Khoula Hospital,

Sohar Hospital and Sultan Qaboos Hospital.

The private sector is expanding the health-

care facilities in Oman at a fast pace. Badr

Al Samaa Group of Hospitals and polyclinics

has five facilities at Al Khoud, Ruwi, Al Khu-

wair, Sohar and Salalah. The group today

provides advanced treatments in Oman at

affordable rates.

Apollo Medical Centre (AMC) has come up

as a star facility in the healthcare sector of

Oman. AMC, in association with India-based

Apollo Hospitals’ Group, is providing the

most modern state-of-art healthcare serv-

ices with dedicated professionals.

Dearth of private clinics in the 90’s had led

to the inception of Hatat Polyclinic, which is

now catering to the need for a high quality,

affordable medical service in Muscat. One

of the largest and oldest healthcare groups

in Oman, Lama Polyclinic LLC has three

branches and over 26 services in different

specialties.

Atlas Star Medical Centre, run by world

renowned Atlas Group, with a chain of more

than 50 Jewel outlets in all GCC, opened its

first medical centre in 2004, in Dubai, and

has been able to extend its success to Mus-

cat, Sohar and Salalah.

The quality of healthcare services is one of

the determinants of good health in any soci-

ety. Oman’s positive approach to healthcare

has helped to develop a contemporary infra-

structure. Here patient care is facilitated by a

fully computerized and networked Hospital

Information system, a state-of-the-art clini-

cal laboratory and dedicated doctors and

qualified health care professionals, lending

it a human face.

FACILITIES• Delivery Rooms • Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)• State- of-the-art Operation Theatres• Fully Equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU)• Radiology & Imaging Services • Laboratory Services• Sophisticated In-patient Rooms • Telemedicine Service

SPECIALTIES• Gynecology & Obstetrics • Neonatology & Pediatrics• General Medicine • General Surgery • ENT • Orthopedics• Cardiology • Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery • Dermatology• Dentistry • Diabetology and Endocrinology• Ophthalmalogy • Neurology

HEALTH CHEQS• Apollo Comprehensive Health Cheq• Apollo Executive Health Cheq• Apollo Women Health Cheq• Apollo Senior Citizen Health Cheq• Apollo Cardiac Health Cheq• Better Life Health Cheq• Visa Medical Health Cheq

P.O. Box 1097, Al-Hamriya, P.C. 131, Sultanate of OmanPhone: +968 247 8776 / 247 8266/ 247 87780 Fax: +968 247 00093Email: [email protected]

Other Branch: Apollo Clinic, Adjacent to Royal Hospital Round About,Ghala, Sultanate of Oman Tel: 245 91432

APOLLO - CENTRE FOR MATERNITY & SURGERYAPOLLO - CENTRE FOR MATERNITY & SURGERY



Four fully equipped operating theatres con-

taining the state-of-the-art air conditioning

and sterilization unit is exclusively designed

for this hospital. It also enjoys a reputa-

tion for its highly developed physiotherapy

department, which competes with some of

the best in the region.

MPH has a highly qualified and equipped,

five bed, critical care unit, with the latest

technology and equipment. In an effort to

reach out better to the citizenry, MPH now

offers several health packages including

Executive Health Screening, Antenatal Pack-

age and Women’s Health Services.

The Executive Health Screening (EHS) pack-

age is based on the fact that early detection

of key individual risk factors is crucial for

improved prevention of serious illness. This

includes a comprehensive medical evalua-

tion comprising full review of medical his-

tory, lifestyle habits and a complete physical

examination performed by highly trained

specialists with focus on risk factors for heart

disease and cancer (blood pressure, weight,

BMI, etc). Women’s Health Services is an exclu-

sive, one-stop service that covers all areas of

women’s health and provides a high degree

of personal care. It provides an innovative and

quality healthcare programme to women and

their families by integrating medical, educa-

tional, and social courses in a confidential and

compassionate atmosphere.

Healthcare TeamMPH believes in setting high standards of

patient care in the private sector in Oman

and has been successful in doing so. The

qualified team of healthcare experts with

their diverse skills and experience bring

vision, integrity and excellence to the hospi-

tal. With over 20 senior full time consultants,

more than 70 senior independent consult-

ants, and various senior international con-

sultants, MPH caters to patients not only

from the Sultanate, but also from the GCC

and MENA regions.

Located in the scenic area of Bausher,

Muscat Private Hospital (MPH), owned

by Oman Medical Projects Company, is

the country’s premier private medical

facility, which opened its doors to the pub-

lic in October 2000. The hospital is managed

by United Medical Enterprises (UME), UK, an

international hospital management group

with more than 28 years experience in the

Middle East.

A Multi-specialty FacilityBeing the country’s only private hospital,

Muscat Private Hospital (MPH) offers first-

class out-patient and in-patient facilities in

specialties including Orthopaedics (includ-

ing all sub specialties), General Surgery, Spi-

nal Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, cardiology

and cardiac surgery, dermatology, dentistry,

endocrinology and diabetology, nephrology,

internal medicine, psychiatry, rheumatology,

paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology. The

hospital is well equipped with a Diagnostic

Centre with high quality diagnostic imaging

services with C.T. Scan, Doppler ultrasound

and the latest MRI.

The Anaesthesia Department, Assisted Con-

ception Unit (IVF Dept), Emergency Services

and Pathology are other services which form

an integral part of MPH. The hospital is the

first private facility in Oman to undertake an

open heart surgery. This successful endeavour

means that patients now no longer require

to travel abroad for their medical emergen-

cies and that it can be taken care of locally in

the loving care of friends and family.

It is worthy to mention that MPH is a pur-

pose–built hospital unlike many other poly-

clinics and medical centres in the country.

MUSCAT PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Muscat Private Hospital is Oman’s premier multi-specialty hospital,

offering avante garde services

SUCCESSFUL ENDEAVOUR

SPONSORED FEATURE

Gary Dorahy, Country Manager – OMPC and Hospital Director, Muscat Private Hospital

beds by 30th June 2009. In February 2010

MPH expects to add a further 15 beds.

The Level 1 neo-natal intensive care unit is

being raised to Level 2 and Level 3 for com-

pliance to complicated cases. MPH is now

refurbishing its emergency room to handle

emergency cases like tertiary care hospital.

“Through all new developments shaping

up at the hospital we hope to help fulfill

the dreams of the people in the Sultanate.

As one of the leading hospitals in the coun-

try, MPH has the experience, latest therapies

and the caring, professional staff to enhance

a patient’s self-confidence. We at MPH also

pride ourselves on providing an unrivalled

aftercare service, to ensure every patient

receives the best possible standard in care

and results”, says Gary Dorahy, Country Man-

ager - OMPC and Hospital Director, MPH.

Apart from focusing on providing the best

medical facilities, MPH also realizes the

importance of quality service. Keeping this

in mind, MPH has trained its staff in cus-

tomer care skills in such a manner that the

healthcare team is responsive to the individ-

ual needs of the patients.

Doctors ensure that investigations and treat-

ments deliver best practice and patients

enjoy quality comfort and service in a con-

genial atmosphere.

As part of corporate social responsibility,

MPH organizes open evenings in the hospi-

tal, which is open to the general public. The

talks are conducted by specialists on various

health problems like obesity surgeries or

lifestyle modifications, to name a few.

Expansion PlanThe capacity of the hospital being full at the

moment, MPH is adding 10 more in-patient

Contact: (+968) 24583600website: www.muscatprivatehospital.come-mail: [email protected]


In the late eighties with very few Pri-

vate Clinics available in Muscat strong

need was felt for a reliable, high qual-

ity and affordable Medical Centre. Hatat

Polyclinic LLC a part of Assarain Group was

established in July 1999 to fill this void. Since

then Hatat Polyclinic LLC has grown in stat-

ure, significantly in expertise, equipments,

client base and range of services offered.

The Clinic has over 100000 active patient

records, which has steadily been on the rise.

The First StepFrom the beginning Hatat Polyclinic has

been offering OPD facilities in GP, Pediat-

rics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dermatology,

Radiology, Physiotherapy and Dentistry.

Over the years OPD services were made

available in such specialized services as Car-

diology, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, ENT,

Ophthalmology, Orthodontics, Neurology,

Endocrinology and the list is still growing.

Further, it has expanded by adding branches

at Azaiba and Sohar.

Polyclinic is very proud of its state of art Lab-

oratory and the Radiology Departments and

the services it offers to the patients. Radiol-

ogy Department has top of the range X-Ray

equipment capable of carrying out a vast

range of investigations with digital imag-

ing, storing and on line transmission. It has

a range of Ultrasound machines with 2D &

3D Facility and Color Dopplers. The labora-

tory is equipped with most modern equip-

ments for various investigations in Biochem-

istry, Hematology, serology, microbiology,

hormone assay, immunochemistry etc and

is designed to cater to the needs of a referral

laboratory in the private sector.

Clinical services are provided by over four-

teen competent in house physicians and

HATAT POLYCLINIC LLC

As per the audit in health, Hatat is one of the best polyclinics in Muscat

AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE

It owns a state -of -the –art radiology depart-

ment, laboratory facility are just two of them.

Always excelling in the services it offers,

Hatat Polyclinic has earned reputation for

quality control, transparency, business eth-

ics and honesty of purpose which are its core

strengths and confidence with which it deliv-

ers medical care. Hatat Polyclinic has rightly

been adjudged as “one of the best clinics” in

Oman, by the competent authority.

FuturoscopeHatat Polyclinic opened its Athaiba branch

in 2003 and one in Sohar in April 2009. Plan

for a hospital with centers of excellence in

all major specialties is on the anvil. Indoor

patient facility which has been a constant

demand from our esteemed clients is on the

drawing board and we plan to complete it

in time to open it to the public at the earliest

opportunity. It gains strength from its com-

mitment for the delivery of efficient, ethical

and affordable health care to its depend-

ent population and cherishes the abundant

goodwill of patients whom we were hon-

ored to care for.

SPONSORED FEATURE

numerous visiting consultants from Oman

and abroad. Medical team is ably supported

by a large team of qualified and experi-

enced Nurses, Radiographers, Laboratory

technicians, Ancillary staff and well staffed

and equipped physiotherapy department. It

offers a variety of medical schemes to suit the

corporate requirements and more than 300

corporate clients including those from the oil

industry are currently availing the services.

Areas of ExcellenceHatat Polyclinic has many feathers to its cap.

Contact: 24563641/42E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. D. Ashokan, Sr Specialist,Assistant Chief Medical Officer


Atlas Star Medical Centre, Muscat, a

part of the reputed Atlas Jewellery

Group, under its chairman Mr. M.M.

Ramachandran, started its opera-

tions in mid-2004 with just five doctors on

board. Today, the centre, sprawling across

5000 sq.mt of area and spread over four

floors, provides patient care with interna-

tional standards and enjoys good patronage

and goodwill of its patients.

Atlas Star Medical Centre, Muscat, offers

expert medical attention in myriad disci-

plines: Internal Medicine, General Surgery,

Plastic Surgery, Urology, Psychiatry, Den-

tistry, Gynaecology, Orthopedics, ENT, ICU,

Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology,

Radiology, Physiotherapy, Cardiology and

Neurosurgery.

What enable Atlas Star Medical Centre pro-

vide quality healthcare services are well-

qualified and experienced doctors, para-

medical staff, with specialized treatment

facilities, such as operation theatre with

C-Arm image intensifier, operating micro-

scope, maternity unit, ICU, 24-hour casualty,

in-patient facilities, accident and emergency

unit 24x7 and a full-fledged pharmacy.

Sophisticated labs, X-ray facilities and com-

prehensive cutting edge diagnostic equip-

ment ensure that all tests are carried out

quickly and effectively. A dedicated compu-

ter system, constantly upgraded, supports

the clinic’s competence. All laparoscopic

surgeries in orthopaedics, gynaecology, gen-

eral surgery and urology have recently been

started enabling various key-hole surgeries.

The centre now has a team of 27 qualified

and dedicated in-house doctors, seven con-

ATLAS STAR MEDICAL CENTRE

Atlas Star Medical Centre is the preferred choice of many top companies in

Oman to provide comprehensive healthcare services to their employees

THE STAR IN MEDICAL CARE

Contact: 24502332, 2450247824502536, 24502560

sultants with over

85 other health-

care professionals.

The physicians are

backed up by fully

qualified nurses

and ancillary staff.

With bed strength

of 60, patients are

offered a wide vari-

ety of in-patient rooms ranging from suite,

deluxe, private and semi-private, and general

wards. Sufficient space, built up as per Minis-

try of Health guidelines, is allotted to various

specialties so that patients can enjoy the best

comfort.

Atlas Star Medical Centre is the preferred

choice of many top companies in Oman to

provide comprehensive healthcare serv-

ices to their employees. Omanis comprise

over 45 per cent of out-patient strength, the

remaining being from the expatriate popu-

lation. Patients, who used to travel to India

for routine check up, have stopped doing so

as the centre provides them with affordable

facilities. “Almost all the routine surgeries are

being performed here on a regular basis,”

informs Dr Rohil Raghavan, Medical Director,

Atlas Star Medical Centre.

Future PerfectThe Atlas Group, which opened its first medi-

cal centre in January 2004 in Dubai, has been

able to extend its success to Muscat. Good

teamwork, caring and friendly ambience and

thorough professionalism in patient care

have enabled it to be upgraded to a hospi-

tal status. Oman healthcare system is grow-

ing. So is the Group. Due to an overwhelm-

ing demand from our patrons, a new medical

centre in Ruwi will be opened by the end of

the year.

Dr. Rohil RaghavanMedical Director


APOLLO MEDICAL CENTRE

Apollo offers service that has value for money at affordable rates which

has helped it to earn the goodwill and trust of Omanis and expatriates

INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE

With the prime objective of serving

the premium and middle income

segments of society at afford-

able rates, Apollo Medical Centre,

in association with Apollo Hospitals Group

India, was started in Oman in 2007. A fran-

chisee model, the centre receives expertise

from Apollo Hospitals Group, India, which has

10,000 beds across 43 hospitals worldwide.

The vision is to offer the best medical care

that is integrated, accessible and affordable

to improve health status of every individual.

Multi-specialty CentreAmong the major departments, Apollo’s car-

diology department has a state-of-the-art

ICU under the supervision of qualified doc-

tors, available round the clock. Treatment for

diabetes, hypertension, chest infection and

chronic diseases and ENT problems and pre-

ventive care are available here along with

surgeries for Hernia, Hydrocele and abdomi-

nal complications. The other departments are

gynaecology and obstetrics, plastic and cos-

metic orthopaedics, pediatrics and ophthal-

mology and radiology.

Apollo has recently started neurology serv-

ices. The centre also runs super specialty clin-

ics with expertise from Apollo India. Spine

surgeon, ortho surgeons visit Oman every

quarter to offer their services to people. The

bi-monthly liver clinic is just launched for

which hepatologists visit from India.

Very recently, Cyberknife helpline is launched

in Oman by Apollo Group. This system is

Asia’s first and the only robotic radio surgery

system designed to treat tumours with sub-

millimetre accuracy and is currently based at

Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, India. Apollo Medi-

cal Centre in Oman helps to liaison between

the patient and Apollo Medical Hospital.

Apollo’s Telemedicine service, the first of

its kind in the Sultanate in the private sec-

tor, patients can now seek expert opinion of

Apollo doctors across 100 telemedicine cen-

tres rather flying down to India. These, along

with Medical tourism activity are the value-

added services which Apollo offers to the

people in the Sultanate.

Rendering Quality ServiceApollo offers a comprehensive health checkup

packages for all age groups. In all its endeav-

ours, Apollo is guided by the needs of the

patient, creating an effective partnership with

a personal touch and care. Culling information,

sharing it clearly and effectively with patients is

important for Apollo healthcare professionals.

Expansion Since 2007, Apollo’s growth trajectory has

shown a distinct upward mobility. Apollo

now plans to have another centre which may

be a hub and spoke state-of-the-art model,

building feeding centres from this institute.

Right now Apollo is operating from Hamriya

with a clinic at Ghala.

“In 2009/10, you will hear more news about

Apollo Medical Centre. We are now one of the

best centres in offering maternity and surgi-

cal treatment. We have done more than 2000

surgeries and 500 deliveries with zero infec-

tion rate. This is one of the indications of a

good clinical performance. You trust us. We

deliver the best. In last two and half years, we

touched around 200,000 lives. This is a phe-

nomenal growth. We want to develop medi-

cal infrastructure and launch multi-specialty

clinics so that patients need not travel abroad

for the treatment,” says Sandeep Kumar, Chief

Operating Office, Apollo Medical Centre.

Sandeep Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Apollo Medical Centre

Contact: 24787766

SPONSORED FEATURE


DENTAL C ARE

The man with a toothache thinks eve-

ryone happy whose teeth are sound,”

said George Bernard Shaw. Very true.

Enduring toothache is painful. Den-

tal concerns remain a major public health

issue in Oman, affecting about 80 per cent of

schoolchildren and the vast majority of adults.

Understandably, dental care is a serious busi-

ness in the Sultanate and dental treatment

here meets international standards.

Dental services that include evaluation,

diagnosis, prevention, treatment of diseases

and disorders of the oral cavity, maxillofacial

area, its adjacent structures and their impact

on the human body, are available in most of

the government hospitals in the Sultanate.

Though expensive, private dentistry in Oman

has attained a high standard. Through multi-

specialty centres, various practitioners offer

not only general checkups and basic dental

care, but also dental surgery and cosmetic

dentistry. Variations in treatment costs are

moderate. Many dentists own work rooms

and technicians who produce crowns,

bridges and prosthetics to speed up treat-

ment. Clinics have internationally trained

competent dentists, a few of whom are

Omanis, a majority Asian expats and some

hailing from Europe, who provide a wide

range of dental services with cutting edge

technology and equipment in combination

with state-of-the-art dental materials.

Restorative dentistry in particular, is enor-

mously benefitted by these develop-

ments. Aesthetic dentistry, with multiple

options, has reached a point of considerable

sophistication.

Quality dental careOman has attained a high standard in dentistry. A wide range of dental

services, with cutting edge technology and equipment in combination

with state-of-the-art dental materials, are available in the Sultanate

With the dental facilities offered at present,

even destroyed teeth can be reconstructed

with Root Canal Therapy and aesthetics

post procedures. The reconstructed teeth

are covered by metal-free ceramics crowns.

Post-reconstruction, the teeth attain a high

degree of strength and aesthetic quality

which was beyond imagination in the past.

Full dental insurance can be expensive. For

extensive cover, buying a ‘gold purchase’

health plan is a good option. Emergency fill-

ings and extractions are normally included

in standard health plans, but when it comes

to more specialized treatment involving

crowns, bridges and other prosthetics, the

costs escalate considerably.

Policyholders need to check that cover

includes x-rays and simple cleaning. Most

plans do not cover cosmetic procedures and

children’s orthodontics and even if they are,

then premiums are usually high. However,

most standard health insurance packages

do not cover dental costs barring emer-

gency treatment required as the result of an

accident. Most policies offer the option of

paying a higher premium to cover dentistry.

The Ministry of Health (in Five Year health

plan 2006-2010) foresees that bad dietary

habits owing to the growing consumption

of sugars and inadequate exposure to fluo-

ride is likely to generate dental troubles. The

good news is that the oral healthcare sce-

nario is changing for the better in Oman.


Group health insurance is a ben-

efit that many companies offer to

their employees. But what is group

health insurance? This type of cov-

erage is relatively easy to understand. A

group health insurance policy is one that

is not purchased by an individual in his/

her name. Instead, the employer shops

for group health insurance and then pur-

chases the coverage that they feel is best

from a financial and coverage point of

view for the company and the employees.

As an employer, you know benefits such as

health insurance can attract the best and

brightest to your company.

The problem with providing health insur-

ance for your workforce is the cost. Health

care costs are rising all for everyone – for

physicians, insurance companies, and con-

sumers. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t

any affordable options available. It’s actu-

ally easier to find affordable group health

insurance coverage than you might think. In

Oman, many insurance companies offer an

extensive range of group health insurance

covers to meet the different needs of com-

panies from across sectors and sizes.

When your employees are healthy, your

business is healthy. Many employees are

encouraged to do their job better if the

employer promises to give health insur-

The Right CoverGroup health insurance is the best way to ensure good health for your

employees without creating a major dent on your balance sheets

HEALTH INSUR ANCE


ance. You see, health insurance is not a lux-

ury. It is vital especially in today’s times. You

can never really tell when you’re going to

get sick. If you have health insurance and

you’re covered, there is no need to worry

too much about the medical costs or bills.

Another reason is to reduce the turnover

of employees. Employees who have health

concerns often choose to stay in their job

because it will be impossible to obtain an

individual policy which covers pre-existing

conditions.

It’s important to promote healthy lifestyles

for your workforce. Apart from provid-

ing the group health insurance cover, offer

them memberships to the gyms and fitness

centers. Provide programmes for quitting

smoking, managing weight, and managing

chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes.

Most important, lead by example – practice

healthier habits yourself.

Another key to keeping a healthier work-

force is preventive care. Encourage your

team to go in for routine doctor’s check-ups

and physicals. Preventive care can detect

and treat illnesses before they turn into seri-

ous and expensive health conditions. By

exploring different group health insurance

plans from multiple leading health insur-

ance companies, you’ll be able to compare

rates and benefits to find the right coverage

for your business.



Group health, one of the most com-

mon types of insurance for illness as

well as accident, is gaining ground in

the Gulf region, including in Oman.

Among responsible employers, group

health is becoming an increasingly impor-

tant part of the package to retain employ-

ees in the long term. Falcon Insurance Com-

pany SAOC is a foremost provider of this

cover and developed, in conjunction with

globally recognized professional reinsurers,

a comprehensive group health package at a

very competitive price, with NextCare being

its Third Party Administrator (TPA) for settle-

ment of claims worldwide.

For its policyholders, Falcon offers a carry-a-

card cashless facility; the policyholder only

has to show the card at approved clinics to

obtain treatment. All that has to be paid by

the policyholder is the agreed deductible or

excess. Everything else will be free of cost

to the cardholder up to the agreed limits in

the policy, provided the claim is admissible.

Optional cover is given for optical or dental

care and maternity benefits for a small load-

ing on the basic premium.

Falcon prefers cashless facilities to cash

reimbursement. “With these cashless cards,

we can appoint a network of selected good

hospitals or clinics with quality controls via

our TPA provider to top it all”, says Pradeep

Gulhane, Marketing Manager, Falcon Insur-

ance Company.

Falcon has in place safeguards against

exaggerated claims or treatment costs.

Analysis and statistics provided by its TPA

enable it to deal with such claims with

FALCON INSURANCE COMPANY SAOC

Falcon Insurance has developed, in conjunction with globally-recognized

professional reinsurers, a very comprehensive group health package

COLLECTIVE HEALTHCARE OPTION

SPONSORED FEATURE

professional expertise helping to keep

premiums competitive for the benefit of

policyholders.

“The advantages of insuring with Falcon are

professionalism, proper cover, and our atti-

tude of being in business of paying claims

and not denying them. We know what our

product is: Claims. We would like to think

of ourselves as user-friendly. We may be a

relatively new name but if you add up the

experience in Oman of our Management

it comes to 100 years between them. We

do have a depth of local knowledge here

unmatched by many of our competitors”,

says Jan Wright, General Manager, Falcon

Insurance Company.

Contact: 24660902 / 24660950

The advantages of insuring with Falcon are

professionalism, proper cover, and our attitude

of being in business of paying claims and not

denying them– Jan Wright ACII, Chartered Insurer, General Manager


At first sight the insurance category

in Oman is a complex one, with a

multitude of different firms, many

targeting a particular segment of

the market, jostling for market share while

navigating a tangle of different rules and

regulations. The Omani insurance market is

growing at the rate of 18-20 per cent, the

Health segment is now being seen as a huge

opportunity because of its low penetration.

National Life & General Insurance Company is

the undisputed market leaders in Life Insur-

ance with a market share of 65% in the Sul-

tanate. Their product offerings in Life & Medi-

cal are still the best available in the market.

“We have come a long way in designing

products suiting the local market, custom-

izing it to fit every stratum of society. Over

the years we have strengthened across five

fundamental pillars of business- Product

Design, Revenue Models, Operational Effi-

ciencies, Compliance & Best Practices and

Change Management.” said Mr. S Venkatach-

alam- CEO- National life & General Insurance

Company SAOC.

Being the largest Life Insurer in Oman,

National Life & General Insurance Company

SAOC is offering a comprehensive range

of innovative health insurance products to

facilitate better healthcare protection for

all groups of people under the Corporate

Schemes by enhancing accessibility and

affordability. Their Life & Medical division is

currently leading in the group health insur-

ance market covering the life and medi-

cal needs of more than 65000 employees

spread across 400 corporate entities.

NATIONAL LIFE & GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY SAOC

Being the largest Life Insurer in Oman, National Life & General Insurance

Company SAOC is offering a comprehensive range of innovative health

insurance products to facilitate better healthcare protection

INNOVATIVE COVER

Group Insurance Plans from National Life &

General Insurance enable you to effortlessly

provide your employees with both, savings

and security. They have tie ups with over

100 network hospitals providing cashless

treatment facility to employees under their

group schemes.

Our vision is “To provide affordable and

innovative health insurance solutions to

individual in Oman- Local Citizens and Expa-

triates and become their first-choice partner

in positive health. We are today the No-1

preferred health insurer to most corporate

entities and our experience and learn-

ing in the management of this business

will strengthen our approach to the retail

market with products that will have differ-

entiated features / benefits / service offer-

ings that reflect our philosophy of wellness

and prevention. It will be our endeavor to

address the entire healthcare spectrum i.e.

Outpatient products, Long term care plans

and the like. Innovations will also expand

to include customized offerings for various

market segments and geographies.” added

Mr. S Venkatachalam.

National Life & General has pioneered many

firsts ever since their inception in Oman,

some of them include- First Insurer to launch

Bancassurance in Oman in partnership with

Bank Muscat, First to be Rated by AM Best

Co & British Standards and ISO Certification,

First to Step up and open a branch in Dubai,

First to win Oman Web awards- 4 years in

a row and the First Insurance company to

launch Online Range of product available @

www.nlicgulf.com

Contact: 24792333Website: www.nlicgulf.com

S Venkatachalam, CEO, National life & General Insurance Company SAOC


SPONSORED FEATURE

OMAN QATAR INSURANCE COMPANY SAOC

Oman Qatar Insurance Company is in its fifth year of operations in Oman

and this year it is adding medical insurance to its range of offerings

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Oman Qatar Insurance Company is

part of the Qatar Insurance Group

which is one of the leading provid-

ers of medical insurance products

and services in Qatar and in the UAE. Oman

Qatar Insurance Company is in its fifth year

of operations in Oman and this year we are

adding medical insurance to our range of

offerings. We intend to leverage the expe-

rience of the Qatar Insurance Group to

become a first class medical insurance com-

pany in Oman.

We are currently designing a new suite of

medical insurance products to satisfy the

needs of the Oman market both in terms

of coverage and pricing. We have studied

the market carefully and identified what

our customers want. We will be provid-

ing tiered products that range from basic

cover at affordable prices to covers on a par

with international medical insurance pro-

grams. These products will meet the varying

requirements of smaller local enterprises

and multi-national corporate customers.

Initially our products will be aimed at the

corporate buyer and will supplement our

other employee benefits offerings. This

aligns with our motto “Behind Every Suc-

cessful Business”. The tiered approach to

product development will allow us to tailor

a package of covers to fully meet each cus-

tomer’s requirements.

We will work in partnership with one or

more designated third party administra-

tors who will manage all aspects of medi-

cal claims on our behalf to agreed service

standards. This arrangement will allow us to

access a wide and comprehensive network

of healthcare providers and our customers

will benefit from their expertise in claims

handling and speedy claims settlement. We

believe that this is the best way to achieve

optimum service for our customers.

We recognize that good health is important

to all of us and when we are sick we want to

be treated quickly and effectively. We aim to

provide medical insurance that recognizes

these expectations and will be there to sup-

port the front line treatment in the best pos-

sible manner.

Geoffrey Blofeld, Chief Executive Officer

Contact: 24700798www.qatarinsurance.com


Positive Health

Physical fitness is not only one of the

most important keys to a healthy

body, it is the basis of dynamic and

creative intellectual activity, said J.F.

Kennedy. In today’s world, physical fitness is

modern man’s answer to the various chal-

lenges and pressures of the contemporary

world. Fitness equipment are now available

for a regular aerobic and resistance workout

along with stretching exercises for flexibility.

Going to fitness centres or setting up gym at

home for maintaining a health regimen is the

modern trend.

A treadmill or a walker is one of the most

popular gym equipment, ideal for overall

muscle development and blood circulation.

Available in various designs and price ranges,

it comes with multiple safety features.

Stationary bikes, as the name suggests, are

immobile and meant for stationary exercises.

These convenient machines provide the

benefits of riding a bicycle outdoors. Good

for cardio-vascular workout, these fitness

devices, available in various models, are con-

venient for home gym, too, as they occupy

minimum space.

Simulating stair climbing, steppers provide

users with intense aerobic workouts, help-

ing them to get thighs and hips in shape. The

FITNESS EQUIPMENT

The weight lifting

equipment for muscle

building routines are

popular among the

young and middle

age. Not just for

strength or resistance,

they are also in

demand for creating

a lean physique and

stronger overall bone

mass.Going to fitness

centres is the modern

trend now

pedals move in an elliptical motion which

gives the feel of climbing a rotating staircase.

A variety of aerobic workouts are possible

on this fitness device. These steppers come

with numerous enhanced features such as a

hydraulic mechanism for smooth operation

and computerized counters to display time,

heartbeat and even the amount of calories

burnt.

Rowing machines, technically known as an

ergometer, emulate rowing in a boat and

are good for full body, heavy-duty workouts.

Used by anyone irrespective of age, they are

also good for burning calories. It is a device

to build the upper body, shoulders, triceps,

biceps and abs.

The cross trainer is a hybrid device contain-

ing a mix of an exercise bike, stepper and

treadmill, facilitating an easy workout, provid-

ing an even tone up. With enhanced features

like digital hand sensors and interactive heart

rate monitoring, these machines provide an

option of customising the programs to fit the

users’ needs.

Ergonomically correct, stationary bikes, step-

pers and rowing machines can be used by

any age group as they place little stress on

joints. Working out on these equipment

can ensure an effective fat burning workout

regime.

The weight lifting equipment for muscle

building routines are popular among the

young and middle age. Not just for strength

or resistance, they are also in demand for

creating a lean physique and stronger over-

all bone mass. Many think that barbells and

dumbbells are one and the same. Barbells

are larger pieces of weight lifting equipment,

engineered to work larger muscle groups

whereas dumbbells recreate the same,

spreading out the weight. In effect, dumb-

bells are the smaller versions of the barbells.

The barbells add the extra weight needed for

resistance training. Leg press and lateral pull-

down machine are the other muscle building

and toning equipment to pack on inches of

lean, shredded muscle mass.

Originally used only by professional body-

builders, multi-gyms have now become one

of the most common forms of fitness equip-

ment used in households. They are intended

for those who cannot visit a professional

gym.

Equipped with chins, pulleys, weights and

padded boards for workouts, most multi-

gyms can easily be installed in a standard-

sized room and be quickly dismantled when

not in use. However, before buying home

fitness equipment, it is imperative you set

your fitness goals and affordability, as this

will determine what you buy. And this buy

will be important for getting that toned and

sculpted physique!

Michaelangelo sculpted David

to symbolize the strength and

beauty of human body. Centuries

down, the appeal of fitness en

masse is more pronounced today. Come to

Oman, you will find that keeping fit along

with being in shape is the mantra of modern

Omanis as well as of the expatriates. And to

make it real, fitness centres are mushroom-

ing in the heart of the cities as well as in

the interiors of the Sultanate. Exercise has

become a must for the quick-paced life that

we have today.

Health clubs and fitness centres in Grand

Hyatt, Al Bustan and other hotels offer an

ambiance suitable for the relaxed exerciser

interested in general fitness. These facilities

have a huge variety of top-end equipment,

weights, fitness classes and gymnasiums,

and also swimming, etc. To enjoy socializ-

ing during work out, this is the right place.

Health clubs generally include a swimming

pool, a spa, saunas and steam rooms, beauty

rooms, treatment rooms, various fitness and

relaxation classes and personal training, if

required. And when the weather turns hot,

one can always head to the pool - not just

for a swim, but also for something a little

more exotic like Aqua Tai Chi or Aquacise.

In general, in-house health clubs and fit-

ness centres tend to be expensive, offer-

ing more amenities, with an orientation

towards service. Quintessentially they cater

to an elitist, affluent clientele. Walk down

the commercial areas of Ruwi, the residen-

tial areas of Qurum or the ministerial area

of Al Khuwair, the city abounds with fitness

centres to suit customer’s budget, locations,

and expectations from a facility. They offer

the opportunity to improve the health, fit-

ness quotient of the people who live here.

Regular cardio exercise, resistance training

or immunity building classes, stretching or

yoga are essential parts of any programme

in these fitness centres. One can have access

to swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and

Sauna in these fitness centres for a reason-

able price.

Gyms aim primarily at bodybuilding or

weightlifting, meant for those who are look-

Keeping fit along with being in shape is the

mantra of modern Oman. Fitness centres are

coming up not only in the heart of the cities,

but also in the interiors of Oman

ing for a good basic workout. Aerobics and

fitness sessions are essential components

of most gyms in Muscat. Overall, they cater

to a younger, workout crowd. Over the past

few years, personal training in gyms across

the West has entered the mainstream. Even

a few years ago, personal training was seen

as the preserve of celebrities or athletes in

the West, but today it has entered the main-

stream and is available for all and sundry.

In Oman, however, personal training is just

catching up.

Women generally have a different approach

to workout programs – less of muscle build

and power, more of toning and aerobic

fitness.

Losing weight and building a body was often

thought of as the preserve of behemoths

striving to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger

or Hrithik Roshan. But today the concept of

remaining fit has transcended class barrier

and reached the cross-section of society. Fit-

ness centres are coming up not only in the

heart of the cities, but also in the interiors of

Oman. When people talk about fitness cen-

tres, the options seem almost unending.

FITNESS CENTRES


Established in 1990 by Al Busaidi broth-

ers, Muscat Sports today is one of the

biggest distributors of sports goods

in Oman in both retail and wholesale

sectors. With the opening of the Al Araimi

showroom in Qurum, the company’s visibil-

ity helped it to move one octave higher for

positioning itself as a leading sports mer-

chandising company in Oman. Today it has

three other showrooms at prime commer-

cial locations, the Ruwi showroom, Al Bahja

showroom at Markaz Al Bahja and Safeer

Hypermarket at Azaiba.

ProductsMuscat Sports is the sole agent and exclusive

distributor for globally reputed brand names

in Oman. They are: Speedo (USA) for swim

wear, training aids and accessories; Stringray,

the original sun protection clothing com-

pany from Australia; Umbro (U.K.), special-

izing in soccer team wear equipment; New

Balance, a leading brand in athletics for seri-

ous runners; Lotto Italian Sports Design, the

world renowned soccer and tennis brand;

Puma Austrian sports design, the well-known

soccer and tennis brand; Asics, the technically

superior athletic footwear,etc.

Muscat Sports is also a wholesale supplier

of these brands to gymnasiums or various

sports activities in Government Institutions,

sports associations, PDO, hotels, clubs, rec-

reational centers, educational institutions,

companies like Saud Bahwan, Oman Poly-

propelene, Sohar Aluminium, Oman Refin-

ery and others, and hypermarkets like LuLu,

Carrefour, Sultan Centre, Safeer Hypermar-

ket, among other major shopping centers in

MUSCAT SPORTS

Muscat Sports today is one of the biggest distributors of sports goods

in Oman in both retail and wholesale sectors. It is the sole agent and

exclusive distributor for globally reputed brand names in Oman

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

SPONSORED FEATURE

Oman. The company has a wide network of

distributors in major towns in the interiors

of Oman, supplying merchandise to sports

shops in Salalah, Sur and Sohar.

In-house Brand Muscat Sports floated its own in-house brand

called Marrma in 2006. The company makes

footballs and sports wear under the brand

name. Apart from selling them in its outlets,

the company supplies these to local foot-

ball clubs. Quality standards and affordable

prices make these products a popular choice

for local clubs. The company entered into an

agreement with Oman Football Association

in 2006 as its sole supplier for all the require-

ments of the team like sports wear, free of

cost. The agreement gives Muscat Sports the

right to use the Oman football team’s logo on

T-shirts and to sell them. The company sees

this as brand building exercise and a contri-

bution to the national team.

To bring Oman’s reputed football players

under one canopy and raise awareness for

sports, Muscat Sports is organizing Oman 5-

Aside Football Tournament annually. As part

of social responsibility, the company has

offered job opportunities to players in Mus-

cat Sports. Expansion being on the anvil, the

company is opening a branch in Sohar this

year-end.

Contact: 24707623/24784509www.muscatsportsom.com

Ahmed Al Busaidi, Managing Director, Muscat Sports



SPORTS SOLUTIONS LLC

Sports Solutions is the sole distributor of Techno-gym, the second biggest

gym equipment company in the world

CREATIVE FITNESS SOLUTIONS

SPONSORED FEATURE

Rising awareness about the merits

of a fitness regimen is encouraging

people to install fitness equipment

at their residences. To serve its cus-

tomers in a holistic manner, Muscat Sports

has floated a new company called Sports

Solutions in 2007 at Hamriya.

Representing the stellar brand Techno-gym

from Italy, the company provides a total

turnkey solution for your house to install eve-

rything from flooring to fitness equipment

like treadmill, bikes, cross trainers, wave, top

excite and other cardio and strength devices,

representing reputed global brands. Also, the

company helps to renovate or redevelop a

home gym for fitness buffs. “Whenever we

are giving proposal to our clients, we are giv-

ing Total Solution. A layout is given to the

clients with 3-D drawings for their perusal,”

informs Zaman Quoraishi, project manager,

Sports Solutions.

The company has also done up the gyms of

hotels like the Al Bustan Palace, The Chedi,

Sheraton, Park Inn, Crowne Plaza, both in

Salalah and Muscat, among others. The

cost of a gym can range anywhere from

RO10,000 to RO200,000. The company has

also installed fitness centres at PDO, Seeb

Stadium, Oman Footbal Association and

Ministry of Defence.

Seamless sport grounds At Manah Recreation Centre, Nizwa, Sports

Solutions has done its biggest outdoor

installation job in Oman by installing Court-

sol flooring on the sports ground, sprawl-

ing across 10,000 sq metre. Courtsol Co

LTD, France is one of the four most globally

renowned sports brands, offering a range

of outdoor and indoor sport ground coat-

ings. Highly approved by all the sports fed-

erations, Courtsol provides Sports Solutions

with technical and commercial assistance

for the optimum use of Courtsol flooring,

known for perfect evenness, high mechani-

cal resistance, longevity, low glare in sunny

weather and easy maintenance.

Sports Solutions has installed flooring for a

bowling alley in Manah Recreation Centre.

Whether it is fitness equipment or flooring

or jacuzzis or lockers or SIUS AG’s electronic

scoring system for sport shooting, all are

provided by Sports Solutions. Quality and

one-stop-shop solutions are the hallmark of

the company. Specialized in wooden floor-

ing, Merry Sports Grounds products from

China also enjoy a good presence in Oman.

Sports Solutions has installed reputed Pavi-

gym polymer floorings from Spain in PDO.

Specially used for aerobic studios and chil-

dren’s playing area.

Pavigym is more than just sports flooring,

because of its special features. Here, jumping

impacts are absorbed by micro air bubbles

that adapt to the foot, lowering the fatigue

and injury risk. It is a defined space, enabling

improved performance and enjoyment dur-

ing a healthy workout. The surface of Pavi-

gym facilitates fluid and safe movements in

fitness and cardio activities. Its interlocking

systems give this flooring more flexibility

which can be removed and fixed any time

and is as sturdy as any other flooring.

Contact: 2470 4204Website: www.sportssolutionllc.com


In response to the growing popularity of

alternative therapies, Oman’s Ministry

of Health, in recent times, has initiated

steps to tighten its grip over the approval

of herbal medicines. All herbal medicine

importers henceforth must be licensed by

the Directorate General of Pharmaceuti-

cal Affairs and Drug Control (DGPA&DC). In

addition, herbal products will need to be

approved by the DGPA&DC. To be in line

with the regulatory development across the

Gulf, the Gulf Co-operation Council, in all

earnestness, is to draft a regional law to reg-

ulate alternative and traditional medicines.

The herbal medicine that is alternative ther-

apy today was the mainstream healing prac-

tice centuries back. With the advent of mod-

ern medicine in the 19th century, alternative

medicine has become a therapy “that does

not fall within the realm of conventional

medicine.”

Alternative medicine practices are diverse

in their basics as in their methodologies.

Commonly mentioned examples include

naturopathy, chiropractic, herbalism, tradi-

tional Chinese medicine, Unani, Ayurveda,

meditation, yoga, siddha, biofeedback, hyp-

nosis, homeopathy, acupuncture, and diet-

based therapies, in addition to a gamut of

other practices. Frequently grouped with

complementary medicine, which generally

refers to the same interventions when used

in conjunction with mainstream techniques,

it is called complementary and alternative

medicine, or CAM. Alternative medicine,

however, varies from country to country.

The Cochrane Complementary Medi-

cine Field says: “Complementary medicine

includes all such practices and ideas which

are outside the domain of conventional

medicine in several countries and defined

by its users as preventing or treating illness,

or promoting health and well-being. These

practices complement mainstream medi-

cine by 1) contributing to a common whole,

2) satisfying a demand not met by conven-

tional practices, and 3) diversifying the con-

ceptual framework of medicine.”

Jurisdictions where alternative medical prac-

tices are sufficiently widespread may license

and regulate them, as in Oman. A strong

regulatory system, according to Oman

Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Report Q4

The alternative approachIn Oman, Reiki, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, yoga

and ayurveda are gaining ground as many Omanis and expatriates

are drawn to the benefits of the alternative approach to healthcare

Commonly mentioned examples include naturopathy, chiropractic,

homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, Ayurveda, etc.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES & THER APIES

2008, will be beneficial to the development

of alternative medicines market. This may

impact sales of OTC drugs in the short-term

as unlicensed drugs are pulled from the mar-

ket. In Oman, Reiki, Chinese medicine, acu-

puncture, homeopathy, yoga and ayurveda

are gaining ground as many Omanis and

expatriates are drawn to the benefits of the

alternative approach to healthcare.

Ayurveda which in Sanskrit means ‘the

knowledge of life’ is the traditional health

science of India which is believed to be the

oldest branch of medicine in the world. It

is an intricate system of healing that origi-

nated in India around 600 BC.

The system of medicine stresses on the pre-

vention of body ailments in addition to cur-

ing and rejuvenating them. Ayurveda covers

eight divisions include paediatrics, gynae-

cology, general medicine, toxicology among

others. People who are taking medicines

for chronic diseases and want to go for an

alternative therapy, or do not want to take

mainstream medicines but enjoy the good

effects of the indigenous system support it

are its takers.

Though the MoH is lending a helping hand

for the alternative medicines, they have to

struggle with their mainstream counter-

parts. Doctors feel a lot of groundwork has

to be done to raise the level of awareness

for alternative therapies among people in

general.


Ayurveda is an intricate system of heal-

ing that originated in India thousands

of years ago. It owes its sustenance

to its holistic approach towards ail-

ments and rejuvenation of body. In Oman, All

Season Ayurveda Clinic was started in 2003 at

Al Khuwair. People from different walks of life

then came for treatment of arthritis, paralysis,

allergies and diabetes.

Today, the clinic is known for therapies and

special packages and consists of 2 doctors

and 5 therapists. Whether it is the traditional

Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyangam and

Elakkizhi or special packages for detoxifica-

tion of the body, these therapies take care

of rejuvenation of the body through herbal

powder, oils and medicines.

Very effective for obesity, Udvarthanam is

the name of the massage with herbal pow-

ders that burn subcutaneous fat, strengthen

muscles and tone up skin texture. Apart

from this, special therapies are available

for spondilitis, paralysis, arthritis, dementia,

trigeminal neuralgia and other degenera-

tive diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s,

motor neuron diseases, etc.

Among the special packages, Panchakarma

therapy for body purification is a five- fold

cleansing method that includes therapeutic

emesis, purgation (virechana), nasal purge

(nasya), therapeutic enema (vasthy) and

bloodletting. It is a detoxification therapy,

completely ridding one’s body of deadly

toxins and ailments leading to rejuvena-

tion of the body. The medicines contain all

contemporary anti-oxidants. Apart from

this, All Season Ayurveda Clinic offers yoga

ALL SEASON AYURVEDA CLINIC

Among the special packages, Panchakarma therapy for body purification

is a five- fold cleansing method completely ridding one’s body of deadly

toxins and ailments

TOWARDS WHOLESOME LIFE

SPONSORED FEATURE

practices, beauty treatment, stress relief pro-

grammes and treatment that help balanc-

ing fat metabolism, eye problems, sleep dis-

turbance and headache.

Both expatriates and Omanis pay visit to All

Season Ayurveda Clinic, the Asian expatriates

being more in number. Here doctors take a

holistic approach towards patient care. Once

the case history is known, along with per-

sonal habits and diets, a case analysis of the

patient is done. In Ayurveda it says, the root

cause should be traced without which treat-

ment cannot be complete. Here many would

come to take a second opinion to satisfy a

demand not met by conventional practices.

The centre imports quality medicine from

Vaidyaretnam Ousadhasala, an ISO certifiied

company in India, at reasonable rates.

Circle of trust All Season Ayurveda Clinic has a network

with homeopathy and mainstream doctors

who occasionally refer their cases to the

Clinic for alternative therapies.

Though the ministry is lending all its sup-

port for more Ayurvedic clinics, the aware-

ness for alternative therapies like Ayurveda

is generally low.

Keen to open centres outside Oman, Dr San-

jaiyan, founder of All Season Ayurveda Clinic,

says, ”I find it very important to spread aware-

ness for yoga and old school of medicine,

which will help people to modify their life-

style to lead healthy and wholesome life.”

Contact: 2447 5280 GSM: 9969 3305, 9803 4792Website: www.drsajjay.com

Dr R. Sanjaiyan, Ayurveda & Yoga Consultant

AH

1791

21.

4.09


EYE C ARE

Eyes are windows to the world. They are

the vital sense organs that connect

us to our environment and people

around us. At the end of three dec-

ades, eye care services in Oman have come

of age.

Eye care here is offered by trained phy-

sicians in all the Primary Health Centers

(PHCs). Ophthalmologists attached to MoH

institutes offer state-of-the-art eye care to

patients, a number of which include facili-

ties for eye surgeries and hospitalization.

Eye surgeries are also performed in Sultan

Qaboos University, Armed Forces Hospital

and private hospitals.

Eye patients are treated in polyclinics with

ophthalmology units. Qualified opticians

assist ophthalmologists both in institu-

tions as well as in private optical shops to

cater visual aids. It is mention-worthy that

health initiatives and improved education

and socio-economic status are instrumen-

tal in near-elimination of trachoma-induced

blindness in Oman.

The WHO recommended eye healthcare

centre of the Department of Non-Com-

municable Disease Control, which acts as

a unit for prevention of blindness. It liaises

with all eye care service centres and assists

National Eye Healthcare Committee in for-

mulating national policies and monitor-

ing their implementation. In last five years,

Oman has progressed both for the low-

vision disabled and blind and pledges to

eliminate avoidable blindness by 2020. The

WHO considers Oman as a model for many

health programme implementations. One

of them is the Prevention of Blindness Pro-

gramme initiated in 1983.

Both in the cities and rural areas in Oman,

ophthalmologists perform state-of-the-

art procedures like lens implantation and

Phako emulsification for removing cata-

ract, the leading cause of blindness world-

wide. Laser treatment for diabetic retinopa-

thy, a complication of diabetes leading to

visual impairment if not treated on time, is

available in more than seven institutes in

Oman. Also a regular eye check up post-40

for glaucoma-detection is recommended

by doctors.

The National Committee is leaving no stones

unturned to train up mid-level eye-care per-

sonnel like refractionists, ophthalmic nurses,

ophthalmic assistants, counselors in eye

care and low vision therapists. Postgraduate

residency programme include specialty of

ophthalmology.

In the implementation front, while Oman

has adopted a low vision care programme

for children, MoH has taken steps to further

improve eye care of contact lens wearers.

In many clinics, refractive surgery is con-

ducted to treat Omanis, so that they no

longer need to wear eyeglasses. Muscat

Eye Laser Center, one of the few institutes

in the world offering this new treatment,

has recently introduced a revolutionary

treatment for patients with eye conditions

involving the cornea. This new treatment

modality is called C3-R for the treatment

of Keratoconus, a corneal condition preva-

lent in Oman and the Gulf regions. Stud-

ies have shown so far that patients who

underwent this treatment never had any

collateral effects such as formation of scars,

cataract, and damage to the other parts

of the eye.

New frontiers in eye care

In last five years,

Oman has progressed

both for the low-

vision disabled and

blind and pledges to

eliminate avoidable

blindness by 2020


Keratoconus (from Greek kerato-

horn, cornea; and konos cone).

It is a common bilateral corneal condition

in the Gulf Countries. In the general popu-

lation worldwide, it occurs in about 0.15%

to 0.16% or in more than 1 in a 1000 peo-

ple. Although, there is no statistical analysis

done regarding the prevalence of Kerato-

conus in the Arabic population, there have

been anecdotal reports about its high prev-

alence in the Gulf.

For several years, it has been our clinic’s mis-

sion to advance the awareness and treat-

ment of keratoconus through education,

information, research, and support. We serve

individuals diagnosed with keratoconus and

their families. If you have keratoconus, or have

a relative or friend with keratoconus, this edi-

torial will help provide you with the informa-

tion you need to better understand this eye

condition and its impact on daily life.

What is keratoconus? And how we treat it?

It is a degenerative disorder of the eye in

which structural changes within the cornea

cause it to thin and change to a more coni-

cal shape than its normal gradual curve.

Keratoconus can cause substantial distor-

tion of vision with multiple images, streak-

ing and sensitivity to light all often reported

by the patient. It is typically diagnosed in

the patient’s adolescent years and attains its

most severe state in the twenties and thir-

ties. If afflicting both eyes, the deterioration

in vision can affect the patient’s ability to

drive a car or read normal print.

It is very important to have routine eye

examinations, when it is in the family his-

MUSCAT EYE LASER CENTER

Dr. Maria C. Arbelaez MD of Muscat Eye Laser Centre talks about the

specialised services offered to treat Keratoconus eye disease

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

INTERVIE W

Keratoconus cornea

Diagnostic tests for Keratoconus: Corneal Topography, Scheimpflug Analysis ( Pentacam, Galilei)

tory, I would really recommend to have

regular check ups and perform the rou-

tine tests which includes the corneal maps

(corneal topography), thickness analysis

(scheimpflug analysis) and so on.

Are there certain stages for the kerato-

conus or is it just a disease that occurs


suddenly in the cornea? And how can we

treat these stages?

Yes, there are different stages of kerato-

conus and unless patients’ have regular

check-ups we cannot know at what stage

they are at. Here in this part of the world the

keratoconus appears with more severity in

young people, mainly in the ones who have

a family history. After all the diagnostic tests,

accordingly with the status we decide the

treatments. In early cases, corrective lenses

are effective enough to allow the patient to

continue to drive legally and likewise func-

tion normally. However, despite the disease’s

unpredictable course, keratoconus can

often be successfully managed with little or

no impairment to the patient’s quality of life.

Early cases with no big visual compromise

do very well with cross linking.

Cases of status 2 to 3

respond to the intracorneal

rings, we use the two types

available accordingly with

the case (kerarings or intacs)

followed by cross linking 6

months after. In more severe

cases we perform lamellar keratoplasty (par-

tial corneal transplant) assisted with laser. In

very advanced cases the only option is a full

corneal transplant.

What are the reasons behind keratoconus?

Are they genetic or gained by certain

circumstances?

Keratoconus is the most common dystro-

phy of the cornea, affecting a good number

of young patients in this part of the world.

The exact cause of keratoconus is uncer-

tain, but has been associated with detri-

mental enzyme activity within the cornea.

A genetic link seems likely, as the incidence

rate is greater if a family member has been

diagnosed. The progression of keratoconus

is rapid in patients of a young age.

Can we protect our eyes from Keratoconus?

And how possible is that?

Yes we can, the earlier the diagnosis the bet-

ter the results of the treatment, so regular

visits to an eye doctor will be beneficial.

Is there any advance technology for treat-

ment of Keratoconus in the world? What

are they and what is the goal of each

treatment?

Before, the options were contact lenses,

and when it was too advanced a full corneal

transplant that lasted up to 15 years and

always had the risk of a rejection. Now we

have different choices, less invasive for the

different stages of keratoconus, with the aim

to stop its progression.

Does Muscat Eye laser Centre have these

technologies for the treatment of Kera-

toconus? What are the benefits and

outcomes?

We have all possible treatments at Muscat

Eye Laser Center. Starting from the non sur-

gical option as contact lenses, following with

the less invasive treatments as intracorneal

rings; were the tunnels to place the rings are

created with a femtosecond laser. Intrastro-

mal corneal ring segments are implantable

precision devices for the correction of sur-

face irregularities and reduction of refrac-

tive errors associated to keratoconus and

other corneal ecstasies. Intracorneal rings

were specially designed for the treatment

of corneal ectatic disorders, providing cor-

neal regularization and refractive effects.

The implantation is intended to improve the

patient’s visual acuity, reduce or eliminate

the refractive error and stabilize the cornea,

avoiding or delaying the need for corneal

transplantation. We are the only Center in

Oman that provides this technology. Colla-

gen cross linking to freeze the cornea and

stop the keratoconus progression. Lamellar

or partial keratoplasty assisted with laser,

were recovery is faster and almost with no

possibility of rejection. Only a few places in

the world have this technology available.

Does Muscat Eye Laser centre have any

specific role in training other international

doctors to know these kinds of treatments

for keratoconus and get the benefits , as

now you have the scientific and practical

experience in Keratoconus cases? And

what is the doctor’s response?

I have been involved on training and teach-

ing about all of these techniques at inter-

national meetings and conferences, and

we have a lot of doctors visiting us to learn

about the techniques and the good results.

With the high incidence of keratoconus we

have a lot of experience on its treatment, as

Muscat Eye Laser Center has been a pioneer

on vision correction with laser. Keratoconus

treatment advanced a lot in recent years and

now with the femtosecond laser, the ring

insertions are extremely accurate and easy

for the patients, the other revolutionary sur-

gical technique is the lamellar keratoplasty

assisted by laser, with a thickness map of

the cornea the laser performs an intelligent

removal of the cornea leaving a very even

posterior surface to place the partial donor

tissue in a very accurate and simplified way.

In lamellar keratoplasty the healthy inner

layer of the patient’s cornea is retained and

not sacrificed (this layer is called the endothe-

lium and is the most vital layer of the cornea

responsible for maintaining the corneal clar-

ity). Only the outer 80 -90% of the cornea is

replaced with healthy donor tissue. The other

advantage of lamellar keratoplasty is that as

the inner layer is retained, the immune cells

of the body do not recognize the outer donor

tissue as being foreign, hence there is no risk

of endothelial rejection with lamellar kerato-

plasty, unlike a full thickness graft wherein

steroid therapy has to be continued for years

to prevent graft rejection episodes.

We already have a few publications on cross

linking and intracorneal rings with a very

exhaustive analysis of the cornea response

in all aspects.

Crosslinking treatment

Lamellar Laser Deep Anterior Keratoplasty to treat Keratoconus (partial Corneal Transplant)

Intrastromal corneal ring for keratoconus


In this scorching climate in the Sultanate,

the best way to keep ourselves refreshed,

rehydrated and revitalized is by consum-

ing electrolyte-enriched drink Pocari

Sweat, which replenishes body fluids and min-

erals lost through perspiration. Whether we

work inside the office or are engaged in phys-

ically demanding activities outside, most of us

feel worn out and start sweating in the long,

hot and humid weather condition in Oman,

constantly losing body fluids and electrolyte

minerals such as sodium, potassium, etc.

Drinking regular water or carbonated drinks

do not help our body to rehydrate com-

pletely. We need to replace salts and water

that we lose continuously in the form of

sweat. Pocari Sweat fulfils that physical

need. Besides water, the drink puts back in

to the body electrolyte minerals such as

magnesium, sodium, potassium, along with

calcium.

This health drink is produced by Otsuka

Pharmaceutical Group, a pioneer in IV fluids,

headquartered in Osaka, Japan. It is repre-

sented in Oman by Muscat Pharmacy since

1985. Right now Pocari Sweat is coming

from Japan and other parts of Asia.

Takers of health drinkPocari Sweat is a low calorie drink which is

quickly absorbed in to the body. It is thus

recommended as a beverage for corporate

executives, industrial workers, and sports

persons alike. The most notable thing about

Pocari Sweat is the peculiar mix of electro-

lytes with low amounts of glucose striking a

perfect balance for a health drink.

Tips AlertWorking out: Pocari Sweat is best before,

during and after working out in the gym

Hot weather: Refresh while replenishing

lost fluids during a hot sunny day

Goodnight drink: While we sleep, we lose

almost 900 ml of body fluids. Pocari Sweat

maintains hydration longer than water

reducing the need to wakeup at night to

drink

Hot showers: Drink Pocari Sweat after los-

ing fluids due to sweating during a long

hot shower

Diarrhea/Vomiting & Fever – dehydration

takes place after a lot of fluids and salts

are lost as a result of diarrhea/vomitting &

fever. Replace lost fluids and salts to rehy-

drate by drinking Pocari sweat

Hangover: Stay hydrated by Pocari Sweat

as a remedy to hangover

l

l

l

l

l

l

Long travels: Helps in dislodging blood

clots as a result of muscle inactivity dur-

ing long travels. Pocari Sweat improves

blood circulation by providing the right

hydration in our blood vessels.

Building awareness for proper rehydration is

crucial in Middle Eastern countries for its cli-

matic conditions. Rosh Issac-Regional Busi-

ness Manager, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co

Ltd, is confident that if the concept is under-

stood and if people are benefitted by the

drink, they would continue to educate their

next generation. With no artificial flavour-

ing agents, no chemicals, not even preserva-

tives, Pocari Sweat is a pure health drink for

adults and children alike.

l

MUSCAT PHARMACY & STORES LLC

Pocari Sweat is a low calorie drink which is quickly absorbed in to the

body. It is thus recommended as a beverage for corporate executives,

industrial workers and sports persons alike

THE ION-SUPPLY BEVERAGE

SPONSORED FEATURE

Contact: 24813263, [email protected]


Oman’s healthcare sector is heavily

dependent on imports of medi-

cines and other related products

owing to dearth of pharmaceu-

tical manufacturing companies

in the Sultanate. Despite market

constraints, the limited number of manu-

facturers are taking active steps to take the

industry one step further by expanding

their product portfolio and entering into

joint ventures with global majors.

Though the Oman drug market remains

small, even by regional parameters, the

growth is strong, averaging over 6 per cent

per annum. However, the high inflation in

2009 is expected to wear out some of these

gains in the short-term. By 2012, the total

market value should reach US$151.7mn,

up from US$108.9mn in 2007, according

to Oman Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

Report Q4, 2008.

Oman Pharmaceutical Products Co LLC is a

global pharmaceutical company specializing

in the development, production and mar-

keting of generic and OTC pharmaceuticals

in the GCC and worldwide. Its state-of–the-

art plant is located in Salalah. The manufac-

turing plants are regularly inspected by GCC

health authorities and other advanced coun-

tries. OPP is the only pharmaceutical organi-

zation in GCC to have achieved the rare dis-

tinction of meeting regulatory approvals of

international authorities like MHRA of UK,

RVO of Germany, among others.

National Pharmaceutical Industries Co (NPI)

is the first finished formations manufacturer

of Oman. The company has a high-tech man-

ufacturing unit set up as per cGMP norms

and UK MCA and US FDA requirements.

On expansion modePharma stores are visible wherever one goes to in Oman. The credit goes

to the vast pool of private players that have opened their outlets across

the Sultanate

PHARMACEUTIC ALS

Jointly promoted by the Ministry of Health,

Oman and the public and private sector, the

project began its commercial operations in

2001 and within a record time, has gone on

to manufacture and register a wide range of

products.

Pharma stores are visible wherever one

goes to in Oman. The credit goes to the vast

pool of private players that have opened

their outlets across Oman. Of the 331 pri-

vate pharmacies in 2005, almost half were in

Muscat region. Mazoon Pharmacy LLC was

the first pharmacy store in Oman and has

established itself as a prominent distributor

of pharmaceutical and health care products.

Today, the UAE has Dubai Healthcare City

(DHCC), Bahrain is all set to build a healthcare

island, and now Oman is the latest target for

investors intending to capitalise on the Mid-

dle East’s health care infrastructure growth.

Majan Development Company is planning to

invest between OMR300mn and OMR400mn

(US$1,039mn) to build a new healthcare city.

in 2008, to reduce public expenditure on

health, Oman invited private hospital chains

from India to establish large scale facilities

in the southern Dhofar region. Moreover,

it is believed that Apollo Hospitals of India

will be part of this pioneering venture as it

already has a facility in Muscat


In view of the continued rapid growth of

Oman’s health and medical sector, Oman-

expo LLC is currently organising an interna-

tional exhibition called MedHealth & Well-

ness to be held on October 19-21, 2009 at

the Oman International Exhibition Centre in

Seeb.

A major international event for Oman’s

health and medical sector, MedHealth &

Wellness 2009 will showcase everything

required in achieving and maintaining

good health and well-being. Supported by

the Ministry of Health (MOH), the three-day

international exhibition will feature medical

tourism, health products and services, labo-

ratory and medical equipment, pharmaceu-

tical products, hospital and clinic infrastruc-

ture, medical supplies, sports and fitness,

and alternative therapies.

“We envision MedHealth & Wellness 2009

as the definitive event in Oman for every-

thing related to healthcare, medicine, well-

ness and fitness. It will be highly relevant to

all medical professionals in the Sultanate

as well as to everyone looking for ways to

effectively improve their health,” said C.J.

Paul, general manager of Omanexpo LLC,

the leading exhibition management com-

pany in the Sultanate.

Paul pointed out that, with the official sup-

port of the Ministry of Health, MedHealth &

Wellness 2009 is expected to attract the par-

ticipation of leading companies in Oman’s

vibrant health and medical industry. In line

with this, a briefing on the exhibition was

held on April 20 at the Crowne Plaza Mus-

cat to inform all medical equipment sup-

pliers in Oman about MedHealth & Well-

ness 2009. Invitations have also sent to local

pharmaceutical companies, major hospitals,

medical associations and all medical serv-

ices providers for them to participate in the

exhibition.

“The strong presence of local companies in

the exhibition will prominently showcase

the quality of healthcare in the Sultanate

and also clearly reflect the continued devel-

opment of Oman’s vibrant health and medi-

cal industry,” Paul stressed.

Apart from local companies, MedHealth &

Wellness 2009 is also expected to attract

many international exhibitors who want to

take full advantage of the growing oppor-

tunities in the Sultanate’s medical sector.

The international participants will be made

up, among others, of medical equipment

manufacturers, multinational pharmaceuti-

cal firms, medical tourism providers, medi-

cal supplies companies, and all those deal-

ing in various types of health products.

In addition to the Ministry of Health, Med-

Health & Wellness 2009 is also supported

by the OER Dossier as the official magazine;

Middle East Health magazine as the print

media partner; Malaysia Healthcare.Com,

Global Ayurveda and Placid Way as the

online media partners; and Becker Travel as

the official travel partner.

The organiser, Omanexpo LLC, was estab-

lished in 1986 and has over 22 years of

experience in organising international trade

events that cover a wide range of industries,

including oil and gas, building and con-

struction, motoring, hospitality and food,

and women’s products. Omanexpo LLC is a

member of UFI-The Global Association of

the Exhibition Industry. Omanexpo events

are distinguished for their high visitor turn-

out, professional service to exhibitors, and

strong local and international participation.

For stall reservations or for more informa-

tion on MedHealth & Wellness 2009, con-

tact Melwin D’Cunha, Project Manager, at

24660124, mobile no. +968-92881982, or e-

mail [email protected]. More details

about the event are also available online at

www.omanexpo.com/medhealth.

EVENT

MedHealth & Wellness 2009A major international event for Oman’s health and medical sector,

MedHealth & Wellness 2009 will showcase everything required in

achieving and maintaining good health and well-being

OER Dossier is the official publication for the event.

DOSSIER HEALTHCARE DIRECTORYTelephone

24494762

24705307

24475280

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24701555

24480874

24485834

24799729

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AYURVEDIC CLINIC

Al Kawakeb Medical Complex LLC

Al Wiqaya Clinic

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Ayurvedic Clinic

India Ayurvedic Clinic

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Sri Sri Ayurvedic Clinic

CHINESE CLINICS

Chinese Medical Centre

Chinese Medical & Herbal Clinic

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CLINICS

1st Chropractic Centre

All Hadi Clinic

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DENTAL CLINICS

Afnan Dental Clinics

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Alauddin Specialised Polyclinics

Aman Dental Clinics

AMERICAN DENTAL CENTER MUSCAT

Amira Dental Clinics

Arabian Gulf Dental Clinics

Babil Dental Clinics

Bostan Daris Medical Complex

Costemic Dental Clinis

Dental & Oral Center

Diljah Dental Clinics

Dr. Hatima Dental Clinics

Emerald Dental Clinics

Euro - Arabian Specialist Dental

Family Dental Surgery

Horizon Dental Clinics

Khalifa Al Hosni (Modern Dental Clinic)

Madinat Sultan Qaboos Dental Clinics

Muscat Dental Specialist

Niaf Polyclinic & Pharmacy LLc

Nujood Dental Clinics

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Qurum Medical Centre LLC

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DENTAL LABORATORIES

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DERMATOLOGIST


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DIRECTORY

DIRECTORY

Kaya Skin Clinic

DOCTORS & CLINICS

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Advanced Fertility & Genetics Centre

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Health For All

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Muscat Eye Laser Centre

Muscat Polyclinic

Naif Polyclinc & Pharmacy LLc

Nizwa Medical Complex

Obar Clinic

Ocean Clinic

Oman Polyclinic

Omari Medical Centre

Rawabi Al Ghazali Medical Clinic

Ruwi Clinic

Scientific Polyclinic

Sharifa Moosa Al Zadjaly Clinic

Specialised Medical Centre LLC

Specialised Modern Medical Complex

Star Clinic

Sun 23 Medical Centre

Sundus Specialized Medical Complex

Top Medical Care

Um Salama Polyclinis

Welcare Diagnostics & Treatment Center

EYE CLINIC

Finland Eye Centre

Muscat Eye Laser Centre

HEALTH CLUBS & CENTRES

Abu Fares Al Raisi Trdg & Contracting

Al Ons helath & Beauty Centre

Areej Health Centre

Elixir Holistic Centre

Future Health Club

Horizon LLC

Ideal Gym

Malatan Health Club

Muscat Slimming Centre

White Thread Trading LLC (Health Club)

HEARING AID CENTRES

Hassan؛s Hearing Aid Centre

Hearing Aid Centre LLC

Suleimana Hearing Aids

HEARING AIDS

National Optical & Hearing Centre

HOMEOPATHIC CLINICS

Bait Al Dawa

Bashair Al Noor Medical Centre

Marwan Al Baloushi Trdg,

Saja Medical Centre

HOSPITALS

Adam Hospitals

Al Jazer Hospital

Al Nahda Hospital

Armed Forces Hospital

Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic LLC

Bidiya Hospital

Bilad Bani Bu Ali Hospital

Boukha Hospital

Buraimi Hospital

Deab Hospital

Haima Hospital

Hamdan Hotel

Ibn Sina Hospital

Ibra Hospital

Ibri Hospital

Izki Hospital

KIMS Oman Medical Complex

Khasab Hospital

Khoula Hospital

Magrabi Eye & Ear Hospital

Masirah Hospital

Muscat Private Hospital

Nizwa Hospital

Police Hospital

Quriyat Hospital

Royal Hospital

Rustaq Hospital

Saham Hospital

Sinaw Hospital

24539766

24701555

24788577

24698918

24785821

25544033

24600668

24490468

24831356

24600338

24713320

23299466

25412323

24831888

992628771

25689929

24478536

26844792

24592741

24421411

26841436

24700608

24780606

24705150

24810856

24701879

24494119

24877152

2447550

24564488

24600338

99745566

24489436

95876673

24602825

24600030

24571337

99352211

24698396

24565687

92165309

92363698

24601778

24837858

24571096

24489031

24494898

24785821

24798888

25434055

99367609

24837800

24331997

24799760

25583534

25553011

26828562

25652319

26836443

23436013

23212340

24877361

25587100

25691990

25340033

24791747

26730187

24563625

24568870

25504018

24583600

25449361

24603988

24845003

24599525

26877187

26855148

25524377

DIRECTORY

Sohar Hospital

Sultan Qaboos Hospital - Salalah

Sumail Hospital

Sur Hospital

Tanam Hospital

LABORATIES - MEDICAL

AL Balooki Dental Clinic & Medical

Medicare Centre

Qurum Clinic LLC

LABORATORIES - TESTING

Ib Hazim Clinic

Life Line Laboratories

MASSAGE CLINICS/CENTRES

Areej Health Centre

Chineses Massage Centre

Sri Sri Ayurvedic Clinic

MEDICAL CLINICS

Ahmed Medical Centre

Al Amal Medical & health Care Centre

Capital Polyclinic LLC

International Medical Speciality Centre

OPTHALMOLOGISTS

Al Lamki Polyclinic

ORTHODONTISTS

Al Ghubrah Dental Speciality Centre

Al Mayias Dental Clinics

Muscat Dental Specialists

Precision Dental Clnics

Wassan Speciality Dental Clinics

PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS

Khasab clinis LLC- Khasab

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre

Qurum Physiotherapy Centre

POLYCLINIC

Al Hayat Polyclinic LLC

Basmat Muscat Polyclinic

Hatat Polyclinic LLC

PSYCHIATRIST


SKIN TREATMENTS


26840399

23211151

25352236

25561373

25699033

26842568

24692801

24563181

24832721

24568180

95876673

24795662

24480874

24544594

24485822

24423064

24567745

24483563

24497708

24499233

24600664

24696247

24489469

26731088

24546846

24571573

24565941

24480068

24563641

24604540

24604540

Dossier - June 09

Documents

Transcript of Dossier - June 09