Oman Launches Initiatives to Cut Down Hospital Waiting Times at Khoula and Al Nahda
Oman’s Ministry of Health has rolled out several new initiatives aimed at slashing waiting times for essential medical services at Khoula Hospital and Al Nahda Hospital. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery in the country.
Reducing MRI Scan Delays
A major focus of these initiatives is reducing MRI scan waiting times. Khoula Hospital, with support from the Directorate General and under the patronage of Health Minister Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, is leading this effort. The hospital plans to perform 12,000 MRI scans over the next year, with daily targets of 45 to 50 scans on weekdays and 20 on weekends. This initiative is expected to reduce MRI waiting times from the previous 16-month wait to under four weeks.
Expanding Endoscopy Services
The Ministry is also enhancing endoscopy services at both Khoula and Al Nahda hospitals. The number of endoscopy rooms has been increased from one to three, a change that is expected to reduce waiting times for these procedures from one year to just two months. The goal is to further reduce routine appointment waits to four weeks.
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Boosting Surgical Capacity
To further reduce waiting times, the Ministry has launched several surgical initiatives. One such initiative aims to perform 1,000 tonsil and adenoid removal surgeries within a year, at a rate of 83 surgeries per month. This is supported by the activation of additional operating rooms in Khoula Hospital’s Day Care Building.
The Ministry is also planning 1,000 knee replacement surgeries over the next year, with 27 surgeries scheduled weekly, including on weekends. This initiative is designed to reduce knee replacement waiting times from 700 days to just 120 days.
Focus on Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is another priority for the Ministry. The plan includes performing 1,500 cataract surgeries over the next year, with 1,000 surgeries at Al-Nahda Hospital and 500 at Khoula Hospital. This initiative aims to reduce the cataract surgery waiting list by 50%, with an average of eight surgeries scheduled daily.
Evening Clinics and Specialized Care
To further address the issue of long waiting times, an evening clinic has been introduced at Al-Nahda Hospital’s Dentistry and Oral, Maxillofacial Surgery Department. This clinic is expected to treat over 900 patients in the next three months, reducing emergency case wait times to two weeks and routine appointments to less than six weeks.
Additionally, the Ministry has launched a program to expedite dental treatments for special needs patients under general anesthesia. This program aims to complete these treatments within four months, supported by increased operating room availability during weekdays.
Improving Financial Efficiency
In addition to patient care initiatives, the Ministry has introduced a revenue cycle management program at Khoula Hospital. This program is designed to improve the operational efficiency of the hospital’s billing system, which is critical for maintaining its role as a key center for emergencies and disaster response.