Public/Private Health Care
Oman's public health care services are free, or may come at a very low cost for all Omani nationals. Expatriates can also avail of the services. However, a referral form from a health centre is required.
Both public and private sectors excel in providing health care services. Omani government owns most of the hospitals. Two primary hospitals in Oman offer a wide array of medical services like Royal Hospital (private) and Al Khoula Hospital (public). Medical services outside Muscat may not be of the same quality as you go out of the city.
The biggest government-run hospitals are located in Muscat and Batina. The public services have a first class reputation in Oman with qualified medical practitioners mostly coming from Europe, USA, Egypt, India and Pakistan. However, appointments are made personally through the doctor's office rather than over the phone appointments.
Private medical care is costly, however, it is often preferred by foreign nationals. Among the private hospitals in Oman are Muscat Private Hospital, Al Shatti Hospital and Shati Al Qurm. An advantage in using private health care is the free choice to change doctors if needed, make appointments without difficulty, and one can opt of walk-in services.
Health Issues
Due to the hot and humid climate of Oman, most common health threats encountered by expatriates are exhaustion and dehydration. Precaution to protect one from heat is advised by wearing a strong sunscreen all year round, and to drink lots of water.
Expats must take precautions of Oman's dust problems caused by construction projects as this may lead respiratory problems.
Dental Services
Dentists in Oman often practice privately. Most dentist are foreign nationals coming from Scandinavia, Britain and Russia. Treatment costs vary, and some dentists allow payments to be flexible and spread over a period of time.
Pharmacy
In Oman, buying in pharmacies is not limited to medical items; one can find cosmetics and perfumes. But one needs a local doctor's prescription, as some pharmacies do not accept foreign prescription.
Tranquilizers and anti-depressants are a taboo in Oman. Omani Health Ministry has banned these types of medicines.
Pharmacies office hours are from Saturdays through Thursdays, from 9.30am to 9pm. The 24-hour pharmacy on duty will be posted on local newspapers daily. Most hospitals have a 24-hour pharmacy.
Emergency
In cases of emergency, most Omanis use private vehicles or taxis to get to a hospital since Oman does not have any ambulance service. Today, certain urban areas have begun ambulance services, and many units are co-located at Royal Oman Police or ROP stations. Expats can dial 999 for emergency services.
More Expat Resources
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