Oman seeks wider healthcare access, 70 years of healthy life expectancy by 2040

Oman aims to expand access to quality healthcare across all governorates and raise healthy life expectancy to 70 years by 2040 through investment in prevention, specialist services, technology and medical training.

The targets form part of Oman Vision 2040’s plans for an inclusive healthcare system that meets international standards and serves citizens and residents regardless of where they live.

The strategy combines improvements to medical infrastructure with research, sustainable financing and cooperation between government institutions, private providers and civil society.

 Healthcare across all governorates

The vision calls for a decentralised system operating with transparency, fairness and accountability, with services available to communities in urban and remote areas.

Priorities include expanding specialist care, developing healthcare institutions and strengthening infrastructure. Cooperation between public bodies, private providers and civil society would help coordinate services and address gaps in access.

International accreditation and recognised standards would guide hospitals, health centres, laboratories and medical professionals, supporting consistent and reliable care.

Prevention and shared responsibility

Disease prevention and public awareness are central to the strategy, which is guided by the principle that health is everyone’s responsibility.

The vision encourages individuals and communities to take an active role in their well-being. Greater awareness of diseases, healthy lifestyles and early medical intervention is intended to reduce preventable risks and protect people from health hazards.

It also calls for closer cooperation between the public and healthcare institutions, with community participation helping shape the development of services.

Technology and medical research

Digital healthcare would improve communication between patients and medical professionals and support preventive and clinical services at every level.

Remote consultations, access to specialist advice and reliable health information could help overcome distance-related barriers for communities far from medical facilities.

Scientific research and innovation are also priorities. Stronger research capabilities and the adoption of modern medical practices would support improved outcomes and greater efficiency across the sector.

Training and sustainable funding

Oman seeks to develop a qualified national workforce through specialised medical institutes, universities and training programs covering different healthcare disciplines.

Investment in education, continuing professional development, research and innovation would strengthen national expertise and address shortages in specialist skills.

The vision also calls for diversified, sustainable funding. Public and private sector participation would support service expansion, infrastructure development and the continued provision of quality care.

Health targets for 2030 and 2040

The Oman Vision 2040 identifies two international indicators to assess progress, using historical baselines rather than current rankings.

In the health component of the Legatum Prosperity Index, Oman recorded 79.03 out of 100 in 2018, placing it 33rd among 149 countries. The target for both 2030 and 2040 is a score above 81.257 or a position among the world’s top 20.

Healthy life expectancy at birth stood at 65.6 years in 2016, ranking Oman 84th among 183 countries. The vision targets 67 years by 2030 and 70 years by 2040.

These goals concern both the quality of healthcare and the number of years people can expect to live in good health.

The wider objective is a system capable of responding to changing population needs, with accessible care, qualified professionals and shared responsibility among individuals, institutions and communities.