Oman: Future Technologies for Healthcare

Oman

Over the past decades, the Sultanate of Oman has made significant progress in the healthcare sector. Through strategic investments and the adoption of innovative technologies, this small country of five million inhabitants aims to enhance access to healthcare and improve the efficiency of medical services. The integration of new technologies, such as the digitization of medical records, artificial intelligence, and robotics, plays a crucial role in improving diagnostics, treatments, and patient monitoring. But how are these technologies transforming Oman's healthcare system?

Digitization of the Healthcare System

One of the key aspects of Oman's healthcare transformation lies in the digitalization of medical services. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with several technology companies, has implemented digital solutions to modernize medical infrastructure and facilitate access to care.

Oman has adopted an electronic medical record (EMR) system that centralizes patient information, making it accessible to healthcare professionals. The company Malaffi collaborates with several healthcare institutions in Oman to integrate a centralized database. Thanks to this system, doctors can quickly access patients' medical histories, optimizing their care and treatment.

Telemedicine has become an essential tool in improving access to healthcare, particularly in remote regions of the country. The e-Sehaty platform, developed by the Omani company Oman Data Park in partnership with the Ministry of Health, allows patients to consult doctors remotely via video calls, obtain electronic prescriptions, and monitor their health online.

Oman

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data are increasingly used to optimize diagnostics and improve patient management in Oman. Omani hospitals are gradually adopting AI-based solutions to analyze medical images and detect diseases at an early stage.

The company GE Healthcare, in collaboration with several hospitals in Oman, offers AI-powered solutions for analyzing X-rays and MRIs. For instance, the Edison AI platform enables doctors to quickly identify signs of diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular conditions, improving detection rates and speeding up treatments.

Big Data is also used to monitor epidemiological trends and help health authorities make informed decisions. The company SAP Healthcare, working with the Omani government, provides analytical solutions that aggregate and process large volumes of medical data. These solutions help anticipate medical needs, optimize hospital management, and develop disease prevention strategies.

Robotics and Advanced Medical Technologies

The integration of robotics and advanced medical technologies is helping to improve healthcare quality and reduce risks associated with medical interventions. Some hospitals in Oman have introduced surgical robots to perform procedures with high precision. The Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) recently adopted the Da Vinci surgical robot, developed by Intuitive Surgical. This robot enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with minimal incisions, reducing patient recovery time and post-operative complications.

Additionally, 3D printing is increasingly used to design customized prosthetics and medical implants. The company Stratasys, specializing in 3D printing, has partnered with the Royal Hospital of Oman to produce custom implants for patients suffering from bone deformities or amputations. This technology provides tailored solutions to meet specific patient needs and significantly improves their quality of life.

Oman continues to develop partnerships with technology companies and research institutions to accelerate healthcare innovation. In the coming years, AI, telemedicine, and robotics will play an increasingly central role in enhancing the Omani healthcare system.

Caroline Haïat