Oman Launches National Health Policy to Strengthen Healthcare System and Advance Vision 2040 Goals
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Health officially launched the Oman National Health Policy (NHP) on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the Sultanate’s ongoing efforts to enhance its healthcare system and align with the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
The launch ceremony took place under the patronage of Sayyid Dr. Sultan Ya’arub Al Busaidi, Advisor at the Private Office, and was attended by senior health officials, international partners, and stakeholders from various sectors.
In his keynote address, Dr. Ahmed Salem Al Mandhari, Undersecretary for Health Planning and Regulation at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the formulation and launch of the policy were the result of dedicated efforts and cross-sector collaboration. He described the policy as a “cornerstone for a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system” that reflects both national priorities and global health developments.
Dr. Al Mandhari noted that the policy was developed through a participatory approach, ensuring its alignment with Oman Vision 2040. Central to the policy is the guiding principle of “Health for All, by All,” underscoring the importance of shared responsibility in achieving national health outcomes.
He stressed that health outcomes are shaped by multiple factors beyond the healthcare system, including education, housing, income, environmental conditions, and employment. As such, the Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach has been adopted, aiming to embed health considerations into policy-making across all sectors. This integrative strategy seeks to improve population health, reduce health inequities, and support sustainable, health-oriented decision-making.
Highlighting the international significance of the policy, Dr. Hana Balkhy, Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, addressed the gathering on behalf of the Organization. She commended Oman’s commitment to aligning the NHP with the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, the Strategic Operational Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean Region 2025–2028, and the region’s flagship initiatives focused on medicine access, health workforce development, and addressing substance use.
Dr. Balkhy further acknowledged the strength of the policy in promoting a holistic vision of health as a collective societal responsibility, aligning with global best practices and sustainable development goals.
The newly launched National Health Policy serves as a comprehensive update to previous strategies and presents a forward-looking vision for healthcare delivery in Oman. It introduces a robust framework that responds to demographic and epidemiological changes, emphasizes sustainable health financing, and encourages the integration of digital technologies to optimize service delivery.
Key features of the policy include:
- Strengthening governance and institutional capacity.
- Promoting decentralization for more responsive healthcare services.
- Enhancing quality and efficiency across all levels of care.
- Tackling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the challenges posed by an aging population.
- Fostering cross-sectoral partnerships to promote health and well-being.
With the formal launch of the National Health Policy, the Sultanate of Oman reaffirms its commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system that meets the evolving needs of its population and contributes to broader national development goals.
4o
