Oman: The Sultanate of Oman officiated the opening of the Oman Health Exhibition and Conference (OHEC) at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Billed as Oman’s largest healthcare event, the event drew over 5000 visitors.

Held from 26 – 28 September, the three-day event was inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Fahr bin Fatik Bin Fahr Al Said and attended by distinguished officials from various ministries, senior delegates, and industry leaders.

International representation

The national-level event attracted the participation of over 150 local companies and international exhibitors from more than 16 countries including the India, Iran, Thailand, UAE, Czech Republic, Turkey and Poland.

The event is organized by CONNECT (Oman Exhibitions Organizing Company LLC) in partnership with Oman’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and supported by the Directorate General of Pharmaceutical Affairs and Drug Control (PADC); the Directorate General of Quality Assurance Center (DGQAC); and Directorate General of Private Health Establishments.

Towards Oman Vision 2050

The Oman Health Expo represents a positive step forward in line with the Oman Vision 2050, said Dr Walid Khaled Al-Zadjali, Chairman of the OMA Board of Directors.

Oman Vision 2050 is focused on the health and productivity of Omani people through the establishment of a well-organized, equitable, efficient, and responsive health system grounded by societal values of equity and social justice.

“At the Oman Medical Association (OMA), we firmly believe that such medical meetings have the most significant and sustained impact on reinforcing and consolidating the professional relationship among the participants, enhancing the scientific research process as well as sharing experiences in various scientific and health arenas,” Dr Walid Khaled added.

“The conference itself is of paramount importance, as of its significant role in enriching the participant’s medical knowledge and introducing the scientific and technological developments in this field.

“We hope everyone finds this conference useful to achieve their objectives, and actively participates in the various activities held on the sidelines of the Oman Health Exhibition & Conference.”

Budget allocations

Healthcare has been identified as a key sector in the Sultanate, which has led to significant infrastructural developments to support the industry.

According to a press release by the event organizers, Oman is home to some of the largest international hospitals while featuring the best-in-class technology.

The government has allocated a budget of US$972.5 million for the healthcare sector in 2020. The Sultanate aims to maintain the same level of spending on social services with 11% assigned to the healthcare sector in 2022.

Diverse exhibitors and exhibits

With a primary focus on healthcare, medical tourism, hospital, and medical infrastructure, the exhibition displayed a wide array of products and services representing many healthcare sectors, including: Dental, cardiology, nutrition, childcare, eye care, lab equipment, medical disposables, counseling, etc.

Exhibiting companies, representing both local and international brands include: Aster Medical; Mohsin Haider Darwish; Al Farsi Medical Supplies; American Hospital; Cigna Middle East & Africa; KPJ Healthcare; Oman International Hospital; Target Healthcare; and VIP Global Care.