CDAA teams rescue 8 from Dhofar building fire
The teams successfully controlled the fire and rescued eight individuals, who are in good health.
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Times of Oman
3 hours ago
- Times of Oman
First local company specialising in health insurance claims management established in Oman
Muscat: The first company specializing in health insurance claims management 'Green Line Health Insurance Claims Management Company' was established on Sunday. It is the first Omani company licensed for this activity, supported by a national vision consistent with the directives of Oman Vision 2040, aiming to provide services with global standards using the latest technologies, and to enhance and empower national competencies to undertake a key role in this new field. The move comes amid accelerating growth in the health insurance sector and the increasing need for smart solutions to enhance the efficiency of medical services. Faisal Hamad Al Rashdi, Co-founder and CEO of Green Line Insurance Services, stated that, due to his long experience in the health insurance sector, he observed the operational challenges facing this sector, whether at the level of insurance companies, healthcare providers, or even policyholders. Given a clear gap in claims management, Al Rashdi decided to establish this company, especially with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) announcing the opening for applications to practice health insurance claims management as an independent and regulated activity. This presented a national opportunity to establish a specialized local company that contributes to building this vital sector. He explained that the market lacked a specialised company in health insurance claims management, with a greater reliance on foreign companies managing operations from outside Oman. This affected the speed and quality of services, in addition to the possibility of health data – which is highly sensitive – being leaked through external systems. The Financial Services Authority had taken the initiative to issue clear legislation to ensure the protection of this data within Oman. He noted that the company represents a reliable source managed by national competencies, meeting market needs through its proximity to clients, which directly reflects on work quality and the speed of transaction completion. Regarding the market's reception of this project, Faisal Al Rashdi affirmed that it is natural for any sector to face some challenges when entering a phase of change, especially when there are long-standing working relationships between the market and external parties that have managed this activity for decades. However, he stressed the necessity of redoubling efforts to build trust and confirm readiness to provide high-standard services that meet the needs and aspirations of target groups, in addition to full compliance with national regulations. As for the project's nature, he mentioned that the company offers a comprehensive package of services in health insurance claims management that meets international standards. These include accurate and prompt medical claims management, medical and administrative verification using smart systems to detect duplication and errors, as a step towards time management. It also covers medical network management, from contracting with hospitals and clinics to ensuring the quality of service provided to policyholders, in addition to data analysis and smart reporting that helps insurance companies make decisions based on accurate data. He emphasised that the company relies heavily on digital solutions and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, for faster data analysis and the automation of routine operations using robotic process automation (RPA), which reduces manual errors and saves time and effort. Furthermore, it is fully integrated with the national platform developed by the Financial Services Authority ("Dhamani" platform), which has been approved for fully electronic operations. He clarified that the company handles data confidentially, storing client data on company-owned servers only, without relying on external servers, to ensure complete control over information security. It applies best cybersecurity standards, such as advanced data encryption during transmission and storage, firewalls, and intrusion detection and prevention systems. Additionally, access permissions are granted on a limited and well-considered basis according to the employees' job roles, along with adherence to all local and international laws and regulations related to data protection and periodic reviews to ensure continuous compliance.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
University Medical City pioneers advanced spinal surgery techniques
Muscat: The spinal surgery team at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), part of the University Medical City, has successfully implemented three groundbreaking surgical technologies for treating spinal disorders and deformities – marking a regional first in specialised healthcare services. The integrated use of surgical robotics, 3D printing, and virtual reality within single procedures represents a qualitative leap in medical care, demonstrating the institution's commitment to adopting cutting-edge global medical technologies. These advanced techniques have been applied in complex surgeries including scoliosis correction, spinal canal decompression, and spinal tumor resections. The University Medical City has become the region's first healthcare facility to simultaneously combine all three technologies in individual operations, establishing itself as a regional leader in specialized spinal surgery. Dr. Hamad Al Far'ei, Consultant Orthopedic and Spinal Surgeon, stated: "This achievement marks a transformative development in Oman's spinal surgery capabilities. Our medical team's integration of three advanced technologies into unified procedures has significantly enhanced surgical precision while reducing risks and complications – directly improving treatment outcomes and patient recovery times." The technological integration features Surgical robotics enabling ultra-precise instrument guidance during operations, improving safety outcomes while reducing procedure duration, 3D printing technology creating accurate anatomical models for surgical planning, particularly valuable in complex deformity cases and Virtual reality providing real-time, detailed cross-sectional imaging during operations for enhanced visual guidance This strategic initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040's healthcare objectives to develop an innovative, quality-driven health system utilizing national expertise. Dr. Siham Salim Al Sinani, CEO of University Medical City, emphasised: "Implementing these advanced technologies strengthens public confidence in government healthcare services while elevating specialised care standards. This reflects our execution of national policies for healthcare development through localising modern medical technologies to deliver services meeting international benchmarks." The achievement underscores Oman's growing capabilities in complex medical interventions while reducing dependence on overseas treatment referrals for spinal conditions. Hospital administrators confirm plans to expand these technologies across additional surgical specialties in coming years.
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Times of Oman
Health alert: Children at risk of ‘electronic addiction'
Muscat: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a public advisory warning parents against the overuse of electronic devices by children during the summer vacation, citing the growing risk of what it terms 'electronic addiction' — a condition that can severely impact a child's emotional, mental, and social development. As families settle into the school break, the Ministry is calling on parents to be vigilant and proactive, emphasising that excessive screen time can lead to long-term behavioural and psychological issues. 'Devices were not created to raise our children,' the Ministry said in its statement. 'A child does not need a screen to light up his world, but rather an eye that loves him, a voice that answers him, and a heart that pays attention to him. Do not buy him false comfort at the price of a true childhood.' According to the advisory, signs of potential electronic addiction in children include noticeable mood changes, excessive use of devices such as smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles, and an inability to control or limit time spent on screens. Children may also begin to withdraw from social interactions, neglect school responsibilities or household tasks, and display anxiety, anger, or agitation when access to devices is restricted. Other symptoms include compulsively checking notifications or messages, losing interest in activities not involving the internet, experiencing sleep disturbances, and showing signs of constant stress or depression. Health professionals warn that while digital devices have become a part of daily life — particularly for learning and entertainment — unregulated and unsupervised use can be harmful. The Ministry is urging parents to create a balanced environment by setting clear screen-time limits, encouraging outdoor play and family interaction, promoting hobbies and creative activities, and ensuring there are device-free zones and times at home. The MOH campaign comes at a time when many children spend prolonged hours indoors due to the summer heat, increasing the temptation to stay glued to screens. Officials stress that while technology can be a useful tool, it should never substitute real human connection, physical activity, or the nurturing presence of caregivers. The advisory is part of a wider initiative to promote mental well-being and support healthier family dynamics in an increasingly digital world. Parents are encouraged to lead by example in how they manage their own screen time and to prioritise quality time that strengthens bonds and reinforces positive habits. As Oman continues its focus on preventive health and child development, the Ministry's message is clear: the cost of convenience should never come at the expense of a child's childhood.
