Tuesday 30 / December / 2025
Muscat: The National Heart Centre at the Royal Hospital has achieved a notable national milestone in developing cardiac imaging services. It implemented a sustainable model combining investment in national cadres, unification of professional standards, and enhancement of operational efficiency. This has contributed to improving service quality and reducing waiting lists, reaching a "zero level" by the end of 2025.
The indicators showed a remarkable improvement in productivity during the period (2023–2025). The number of cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans increased from 1,953 scans in 2023 to 2,671 scans in 2025, achieving a growth rate of 36 percent. The number of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans doubled from 458 scans to 920 scans during the same period, with a growth rate of 100 percent.
These efforts were supported by focused campaigns targeting the reduction of waiting lists. These included the implementation of four campaigns for cardiac CT imaging, during which 673 scans were performed, and two campaigns for cardiac MRI imaging, during which 177 scans were conducted. This directly contributed to accelerating the delivery of treatment services to patients.
This integrated approach was reflected in a radical processing of accumulated referrals. The number of completed referrals rose from 733 referrals in 2023 to 1,421 referrals in 2024, culminating in the complete clearance of all accumulated referrals in 2025. This achievement reflects precision in planning and efficiency in execution.
Meanwhile, the Royal Hospital implemented an integrated training program for the medical staff in the Radiology Department, encompassing doctors, technicians, and nursing staff. Field visits were organized for the imaging team to support participating departments in several reference hospitals. Furthermore, an advanced national course (Level Two) in cardiac CT imaging was conducted, targeting national competencies with the aim of increasing the service's capacity across the Sultanate of Oman.
In a qualitative step towards medical governance, the first unified national guide for providing cardiac CT imaging services was prepared. It includes technical requirements, staff training, and safety and quality standards. The guide has been approved as a unified reference at the national level, enhancing the unity of medical practices and raising quality standards.
Dr. Najib Zahran Al Rawahi, Director of the National Heart Centre affirmed to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the achievements made during 2023–2025 represent a practical model for transforming operational challenges into opportunities for sustainable development, focusing on three pillars: qualifying cadres, unifying regulatory frameworks, and enhancing resource efficiency.
He added that this approach has yielded a tangible improvement in service quality and positively impacted the speed at which patients receive medical care, while ensuring adherence to global safety standards. He indicated that this achievement represents a cornerstone for enhancing integration and elevating cardiac care services throughout the Sultanate of Oman.
