While the Sultanate of Oman has made remarkable strides in its healthcare sector, many Omanis still travel abroad for medical treatment. Despite the lack of extensive studies on this trend, interviews with various individuals reveal several key reasons behind this phenomenon.
One of the primary concerns is the long waiting times for appointments in public healthcare facilities, which can sometimes stretch to six months or even a year. Lubna Al Kharusi, a government employee, mentions that this delay pushes many to seek treatment abroad. She also highlights that private healthcare options in Oman are limited in terms of advanced facilities, leading people to consider destinations like Kerala and Thailand.
However, the latter has become more expensive. Some individuals also feel the need for a second opinion, or in certain cases, seek treatments not available locally, such as specialised spinal surgeries.
Maryam Rashid Al Fazari, Head of Graduate Follow-up Department at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, emphasizes the cost factor. “Medical procedures, particularly surgeries, are often significantly cheaper in other countries,” she explains. This is particularly appealing when combined with shorter wait times, access to cutting-edge technologies, and the anonymity sought by patients undergoing sensitive treatments, such as fertility or gender-affirming procedures.
Adding to the conversation, Dawood Hadidi, a religious scholar, points out the influence of social media and a general lack of trust in local medical results. Many patients are swayed by online advertisements promoting foreign healthcare providers.
Similarly, Lubna Bint Humaid Al Ismail remarks that a lack of compassion in the delivery of test results or treatment can further erode confidence in local healthcare.
According to Hammam Al Badi, a media professional, the growing trend reflects dissatisfaction with local healthcare systems and a desire for faster, more efficient medical services. Similarly, Nazrallah, another media expert, notes that it’s the erosion of trust between patients and healthcare providers that drives patients and their families to seek treatment outside of Oman.
Others, like Namrata Dhanwani Menghani, a hotelier, and Beena Hamza, an entrepreneur, underline the availability of specialised treatments abroad for rare diseases or life-saving surgeries such as cancer treatments.
This sentiment is shared by Faisal Al Nabhani from the Ministry, who believes that the lack of certain medical services and prolonged waiting times are key factors pushing Omanis to seek healthcare abroad.
Ahmed Al Mukhaini, a strategist and think tank expert, sums it up by noting that the primary motivations for seeking medical care abroad are cost, specialization, and quality.
As a result, millions of Omani rials flow out of the country each year for healthcare services, with many calling for a reduction in local treatment costs and taxes, alongside efforts to attract foreign investment in Oman’s healthcare sector to enhance facilities and expertise.
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