15 to 20 cases in Oman referred for treatment abroad every week

Muscat: Between 15 and 20 cases are referred for treatment abroad every week, said Dr. Mohammed bin Jaafar Al Sajwani, Senior Consultant Surgeon and Chairman of the National Committee for Treatment Abroad. He pointed out that the National Committee for Treatment Abroad comprises a number of specialists and consultants belonging to several medical fields.

The committee is tasked with receipt, discussion and consideration of the applications and medical reports of the patients, he said, adding that the committee meets every week to discuss all files and applications received by it for necessary action and recommends cases for treatment abroad in case of unavailability of appropriate treatment in the Sultanate.

Some patients travel for treatment abroad at their own expense with no medical supervision from the Sultanate’s concerned department, he said.

Later, they seek medical advice and consultation from the National Committee for Treatment Abroad which has and ties with several renowned hospitals and health institutions abroad, he said, adding this is aimed to ensure the medical services offered to the patients are appropriate and also to avoid the patients falling victim to frauds.

On the other hand, Dr. Talal bin Ghalib Al Busaidi, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Al Nahda Hospital, reaffirmed that many patients who opted for treatment abroad have been taken for a ride such as undergoing unnecessary or expensive interventions.

Dr. Al Busaidi urged the patients to approach the health institutions in the Sultanate for the necessary advice, medical diagnosis or for getting familiar with the procedures to be followed before travel in case of medical treatment abroad.

He added that there is a national committee entrusted with following up the cases that require treatment abroad in case treatment is not available within the Sultanate.

The committee is also concerned with the review of medical reports and coordinates the patient’s travel for treatment at renowned hospitals and health institutions with the cost borne by the Ministry of Health to avoid any potential complications in the health condition of the patient, he said.