Latest news with #NationalOrganTransplantProgramme
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Ibra Hospital performs Oman's first partial corneal transplant
Breakthrough supports decentralised healthcare and expands specialist services beyond Muscat Ibra – A medical team at Ibra Hospital has successfully performed Oman's first partial corneal transplant at the secondary healthcare level, marking a significant milestone in the decentralisation of advanced medical services. The patient, aged 74, had suffered severe vision loss due to damage to the endothelial cells lining the cornea, which regulate fluid drainage. The build-up of fluid had caused impaired vision. Dr Saif bin Mubarak Bani Araba, consultant in corneal surgery and head of the team, said the 90-minute operation involved replacing only the damaged part of the cornea using healthy tissue from a deceased donor. 'Partial transplants have a higher success rate and better acceptance by the body than full transplants,' he explained. The procedure highlights the Ministry of Health's efforts to improve access to specialist care across all governorates and reduce the need for treatment abroad. Dr Abdullah Sulaiman Al-Shikaili, of the National Organ Transplant Programme, said the operation was part of a broader strategy to enhance ophthalmology services and local medical capabilities. Over 125 corneal transplants have been performed in Oman between September 2023 and May 2025. The Ministry also plans to establish a national eye bank within five years to ensure self-sufficiency and expand corneal transplant services across the Sultanate. This achievement reflects Oman's growing capacity to deliver high-quality, decentralised healthcare for all.
Observer
26-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
Oman enacts organ transplant law to protect donors
MUSCAT: In a landmark move to enhance the healthcare framework in the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced the issuance of a new Royal Decree regulating the transfer and transplantation of human organs and tissues. The new legislation forms a vital part of the country's evolving health laws and addresses the growing need for advanced organ transplant procedures. Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, said that the law underpins the National Organ Transplant Programme and provides a clear legal structure for organ donation — whether from living donors or posthumous contributions. The decree guarantees the rights and safety of donors and recipients, regulates the responsibilities of healthcare institutions and outlines medical procedures and ethical standards in accordance with international best practices. 'The organ transplant law reflects Oman's progressive approach to public health and meets an urgent need in addressing cases of terminal organ failure,' Dr Al Sabti said. 'It ensures that the system operates with transparency, respect for human dignity and medical integrity.' The minister also stressed the importance of comprehensive legislation such as the Public Health Law, which serves as a reference framework for all aspects of healthcare. The new organ transplant law aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasises quality healthcare and well-being as a national priority. Dr Al Sabti praised His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his unwavering support of the health sector and his vision to provide integrated and advanced healthcare services across the Sultanate of Oman. The new law marks a significant step towards ensuring ethical medical practices, expanding access to life-saving procedures and reinforcing public confidence in Oman's healthcare system. — ONA
Muscat Daily
26-04-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Laws issued to boost Oman's health sector
Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued two Royal Decrees, one promulgating the Public Health Law and the other regulating transplantation of human organs and tissues. Royal Decree No 43/2025 promulgates the Public Health Law following presentation to the Council of Oman, while Royal Decree No 44/2025 promulgates the Law Regulating Transfer and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, also presented before the Council of Oman. Article 2 of the latter authorises the Minister of Health to issue the executive regulation and any other necessary regulations within one year of enforcement of the organ transplant law. Existing regulations will continue to apply until then, as long as these do not conflict with the new provisions. Dr Hilal al Sabti, Minister of Health Ministry of Health described the new organ transplant law as a key addition to the legislative framework supporting the sultanate's health system. It aims to address the rising demand for organ transplants as a treatment method for patients suffering from terminal organ failure. Dr Hilal al Sabti, Minister of Health, said, 'The law supports the work of the National Organ Transplant Programme, guarantees the rights and safety of organ donors and transplant patients, precisely regulates the conditions and procedures for organ donation during life or after death, and defines the legal responsibilities and duties of medical institutions.' On the Public Health Law, he said it was essential to regulate all aspects related to public health and provide a comprehensive framework of scientific and practical rules. The law would serve as a reference for the health system's interaction with various sectors in alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 to deliver more inclusive health services. Dr Sabti appreciated His Majesty the Sultan's continued support for the health sector, describing it as a major factor in driving efforts to achieve comprehensive and integrated healthcare in Oman.
Times of Oman
25-04-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Royal Decree strengthens organ donation framework in Oman
Muscat: The Ministry of Health has affirmed that the Royal Decree issuing the Organ Transplant and Donation Regulation Law represents a fundamental step in strengthening the legislative framework of the Sultanate of Oman's healthcare system. The law addresses the growing need for organ transplant procedures as a therapeutic solution for patients suffering from end-stage organ failure. His Excellency Dr Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, stated to the Oman News Agency that the law supports the National Organ Transplant Programme, ensuring the rights and safety of both organ donors and recipients. It precisely regulates the conditions and procedures for organ donation, whether during life or after death, while defining legal responsibilities and the roles of medical institutions. His Excellency also highlighted that the Public Health Law is a crucial necessity for organising all aspects related to public health, including widely recognised concepts in this field. It establishes a comprehensive system of scientific and practical regulations, serving as a reference for the healthcare system's interactions with various sectors. The law aligns with Oman Vision 2040, reinforcing its objectives and supporting its goals to provide more inclusive healthcare services for all. His Excellency expressed deep appreciation for the Royal attention and commitment of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, may God protect him, in continuously advancing the healthcare sector in Oman. His Majesty's dedication ensures the development of a comprehensive and integrated healthcare system that meets the needs of the population.
Observer
20-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
MoH to establish eye bank, resume cornea transplant operations
Muscat: The National Organ Transplant Programme seeks to localize corneal transplant services in the Sultanate of Oman by setting up an eye bank for collecting and preserving corneas from donors to achieve self-sufficiency and provide the service in all governorates. A total of 115 corneal transplants have been performed so far. A team from the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Military Medical City, visited corneal banks in the United States to study the establishment of a national bank in the Sultanate of Oman for collecting and preserving corneas. The programme to restart corneal transplant operations is aimed at localizing the service and achieving self-sufficiency in corneal tissue by national cadres experienced in corneal transplants and eye surgeries in general. The Ministry of Health strives to develop the health system in the Sultanate of Oman, reduce the need to send patients abroad for treatment and save time and effort. In this context, the necessary requirements for restarting corneal transplant surgeries have already been identified and agreements signed with international eye banks to supply corneas to ensure the continuity of corneal transplant operations in the Sultanate of Oman.
