As the global spotlight on healthcare hygiene intensifies post-pandemic, Oman is taking decisive steps to reinforce infection control, patient safety, and overall healthcare quality. Central to this effort is the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) bold move to launch a national healthcare accreditation system, set to transform standards in public and private facilities across the Sultanate.

The initiative, rolled out in late 2024, introduces over 240 stringent criteria covering infection prevention, sterilization protocols, waste management, and patient safety. All hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers will be required to comply by 2030. This marks a significant milestone for Oman’s healthcare system—placing hygiene and safety at the heart of service delivery.

One of the most critical components of this reform is infection prevention and control (IPC). Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), once a quiet but persistent challenge in Omani hospitals, are now receiving focused attention. Policies have been implemented to ensure healthcare workers are trained in hygiene best practices, have access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and adhere to strict sterilization and disinfection routines. Moreover, isolation wards and central sterilization units are being upgraded to meet international standards.

Supporting this push is Oman’s new Public Health Law (Royal Decree No. 43/2025), which grants regulatory bodies stronger authority to enforce hygiene compliance. Under the law, healthcare facilities that fail to meet hygiene and safety benchmarks risk penalties, suspension, or closure. This legal framework ensures that quality is no longer optional—it’s mandatory.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Some rural and remote facilities still struggle with access to high-end sterilization equipment or consistent supply chains for hygiene materials. Public awareness around hygiene—especially handwashing, antibiotic misuse, and home care sanitation—also needs continuous reinforcement.

To address these gaps, the MoH has ramped up health education campaigns, community outreach programs, and school-based hygiene training. Oman’s participation in international forums on antimicrobial resistance and IPC further demonstrates its commitment to global best practices.

As Oman looks to 2030, the vision is clear: a healthcare system where hygiene is not a luxury, but a baseline standard. With the right investment, enforcement, and education, Oman is well on its way to becoming a regional leader in healthcare hygiene.

About the author
Pradip Ratnagiri is the Chief Operating Officer at Shifa Hospital Oman.