Retired medics join Oman fight against COVID-19

Muscat: Retired medical professionals with certain specialised skills currently required in Oman’s medical sector, especially those who can work in intensive care units, have been asked to provide assistance at the present time, the Minister of Health has said.
Responding to a question put forth by Times of Oman during the recently-held press conference of the Supreme Committee to deal with COVID-19, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saeedi said, “We took advantage of the skills of some retired medical professionals, because they had the ability to meet the needs of certain areas in the medical sector, particularly when it came to those who could work in intensive care units.”
He added that in addition to retired medical staff, the ministry also recalled foreign doctors and medical personnel who had gone overseas on leave, to cover the shortfall of personnel in hospitals.
“Many retirees and medical professionals volunteered to return to work, and we decided to make use of their offer,” added Al Saeedi.
In addition to the pressure put by COVID-19 on government health institutions, a vast majority of patients in healthcare institutions in general, were expatriates he added.
There is currently pressure on the healthcare services offered in both public and private healthcare institutions.