Maqshan Hospital opens, NCD Survey launched in Oman

OMAN—The Ministry of Health (MoH) has inaugurated Maqshan Hospital, a significant addition to the healthcare infrastructure in the Dhofar Governorate.

The new facility will benefit residents of Maqshan and three surrounding areas: Al Mashash, Marsoud, and Mandar Al Thibyan. 

Spanning 1,883.93 square meters, Maqshan Hospital boasts modern medical facilities designed to enhance healthcare accessibility.

The hospital includes 25 beds, three wards, and nine outpatient clinics.

Additional features such as a delivery suite, specialized medical clinics, radiology services, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and other essential services highlight the Ministry’s commitment to providing comprehensive care.

This development is part of the MoH’s broader strategy to improve healthcare access and quality, particularly in remote regions of Oman. 

In addition, the Ministry has launched a national survey in Muscat Governorate to assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which include hypertension, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and heart disease.

This initiative aims to collect critical data through field visits to residential areas.

It targets individuals aged 15 and above, including both citizens and residents. 

The survey, inaugurated under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, underscores the importance of collaboration among sectors to ensure its success.

Sayyid Saud highlighted that the survey findings will play a crucial role in shaping healthcare policies and improving regional public health services. 

Dr. Samira Al Maimani, Director of the Healthcare Department in Muscat, described the survey as a key step toward achieving Oman Vision 2040’s integrated and sustainable healthcare system goal.

The study will involve 1,200 families across Muscat’s six wilayats. Data collection will include health tests and questionnaires, conducted by over 25 trained field surveyors. 

According to Dr. Fatima Bint Ahmed Al Hinai, Director of the Planning and Studies Department, the survey’s objectives include determining the burden of NCDs in Oman, creating a national health database, and informing future health policies.

Field supervisor Salim Bin Saeed Al Tobi explained that the survey will occur in two phases: identifying survey sites and collecting data on key risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and substance use. 

The survey has already commenced in other governorates and is expected to provide policymakers with the insights needed to develop targeted health programs, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for current and future generations.

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