MUSCAT : Specialised national medical teams, supervised by consultants from Khoula and Al Nahdha hospitals, conducted advanced surgeries in several regional hospitals in close coordination with local medical staff. These procedures, implemented in line with the latest approved medical protocols, have helped raise service efficiency and significantly reduced the need to transfer patients to referral hospitals in Muscat.
In colorectal surgery, over 100 operations were performed at Ibra Hospital under the supervision of Dr Rashid bin Mohammed Al-Alawi, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, in collaboration with specialised teams at the hospital.
In spinal and orthopaedic surgery, national teams carried out 14 emergency spinal procedures at hospitals in Nizwa, Rustaq, Buraimi, Sohar and Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah. In addition, three limb reconstruction surgeries using the Ilizarov technique were completed at hospitals in Ibra, Sohar and the University Medical City, under the supervision of a Khoula Hospital team led by Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Kalbani, Consultant Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgeon.
In vascular surgery, Dr Ahmed bin Salem Al-Aufi, Consultant of Vascular and Accident Surgery at Khoula Hospital, performed more than eight operations at Ibra and Sinaw hospitals in North Sharqiyah Governorate. Meanwhile, a specialised neurology team conducted cerebral catheterisation procedures at Sohar Hospital, bringing advanced neurological services closer to patients in the regions.
Al Nahda Hospital also expanded its outreach through advanced surgeries and training programmes. In ophthalmology, field visits to Khasab Hospital resulted in around 100 cataract surgeries, alongside staff training, under the supervision of Dr Haitham bin Salem Al Mahrouqi, Senior Specialist in corneal transplants, cataracts and vision correction. Training programmes for optometrists were also implemented in Nizwa, Ibra and Sohar hospitals, enabling local provision of contact lens services without referrals to Muscat.
Further efforts included establishing a specialised cornea clinic at Nizwa Hospital, training doctors on corneal cross-linking procedures following the provision of necessary equipment by the Ministry of Health. Al Nahda Hospital teams also performed eyelid and eye socket cosmetic surgeries at Al Rustaq Hospital, in addition to corneal transplant operations at Ibra Hospital.
In ear, nose and throat (ENT) services, more than 66 surgeries were carried out across hospitals in Khasab, Rustaq, Ibri, Sur, Al Buraimi and Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah, covering sinus surgeries, cochlear implants, rhinoplasty, head and neck procedures, salivary gland surgeries and ear conditions.
The hospital’s dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery teams conducted visits, consultations and surgeries, including 14 procedures for patients with disabilities at Sohar Hospital, along with specialised interventions at Khasab Hospital. In obstetrics and gynaecology, eight surgical procedures were performed at Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate.
Dr Rashid bin Mohammed Al-Alawi said the initiative aims to reduce waiting lists, ease patient travel to Muscat, transfer expertise, and enhance the readiness of referral hospitals outside the capital to independently perform specialised surgeries. He added that these efforts mark a qualitative step forward in expanding advanced healthcare services in the governorates, in line with the Ministry of Health’s decentralisation agenda.
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