19-01-2025
Record surgeries, reduced waiting time at Khoula Hospital
Muscat – Khoula Hospital has implemented new initiatives to improve healthcare services in collaboration with Al Nahdha Hospital and Wattayah Obstetrics and Gynaecology Complex. These efforts focus on reducing waiting time for surgeries and MRI scans while expanding specialised medical care to address the growing needs of the community.
Highlighting the hospital's commitment to delivering timely and high-quality medical services, Dr Rashid bin Mohammed al Alawi, Director General of Khoula Hospital, said, 'We have increased the number of qualified medical professionals, enhanced operational efficiency and integrated advanced medical technology to meet patient demands.' Improved coordination between departments has also contributed to faster procedures, ensuring patients receive prompt care.
In 2024, the hospital performed over 21,900 surgeries across multiple specialities, up from 19,700 surgeries in 2022 and 2023 combined. Introduction of evening surgeries and same-day procedures in fields like ophthalmology, orthopaedics, general surgery, dentistry, ENT and neurosurgery has significantly reduced waiting time.
The opening of a day-care surgery facility alone contributed an additional 5,000 surgeries, with a target to perform over 10,000 annual surgeries at the unit. Dr Rashid bin Mohammed al Alawi, Director General of Khoula Hospital
The hospital has also made notable progress in addressing growing demand for MRI scans. In 2024, over 16,400 MRI scans were conducted, up from 10,000 in 2023. This expansion has dramatically shortened waiting time for MRI appointments from 18 months to just three days, with an average of 270 scans conducted weekly.
Khoula Hospital continues to broaden its range of specialised services, offering advanced colon, rectal, breast and vascular surgeries and cerebral catheterisation. Essential procedures like early scoliosis and hand surgeries and corneal transplants have been localised to provide care closer to home. In 2024, more than 80 corneal transplants and over 720 cochlear implants were performed.
Upgrades of operating rooms and surgical facilities have further enhanced the hospital's capacity to deliver high-quality healthcare, ensuring residents receive the advanced care they need in a timely manner.
