Muscat: Over 150 new applications were received for the establishment of private health institutions in the Sultanate of Oman, including applications for 11 new hospitals.
This was revealed by the Directorate General of Private Health Establishments.
According to Director-General Dr. Muhana Al Maslahi, the number of private health establishments in the country is 1,700 apart from pharmacies. The number is expected to rise up to 2,000 establishments in the coming years.
The Ministry of Health said it is reviewing the fees that are charged from these institutions for various services apart from trying to streamline the administrative process.
It is taking steps to reduce the possibilities of irregularities committed by a few groups of private facilities.
Al Maslahi said that recent inspection visits revealed that an expatriate licensed as a farmer was working in an optics shop as an optometrist in Al Buraimi Governorate.
In another case, a domestic worker was working as a laser technician at a dermatology clinic in the Muscat Governorate.
All irregularities were referred to the violation committees for appropriate actions.