Overview
The healthcare sector in Oman employs ~55,000 direct workers with an Omanisation rate of ~62%. Workforce development is a critical enabler of Vision 2040 objectives, requiring targeted interventions in skills training, career pathway development, and nationalisation policies tailored to sector-specific needs.
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Current | 2040 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Employment | ~55,000 direct | See 2040 targets |
| Omanisation Rate | ~62% | See 2040 targets |
| Key Employers | MOH, SQU Hospital, Diwan of Royal Court … | Expanding |
Analysis
Workforce composition in Oman’s healthcare sector reflects both historical development patterns and emerging skill requirements. The current Omanisation rate of ~62% indicates moderate progress toward nationalisation targets. Key employers including MOH, SQU Hospital, Diwan of Royal Court hospitals, Badr Al Samaa, Aster DM are implementing structured training programmes. However, skills gaps persist in technical specialisations, middle management, and digital competencies. The sector must balance rapid Omanisation with maintaining operational excellence and international competitiveness.
Challenges
Skills mismatch between education outputs and sector requirements remains the primary workforce challenge. Rising non-communicable disease burden (diabetes ~15 percent prevalence), specialist physician shortage, geographic access disparities in Al Wusta and Dhofar, limited private insurance uptake, and high pharmaceutical import dependency (~90 percent). Additionally, retaining Omani talent in the face of competition from government and higher-paying sectors requires innovative compensation and career development frameworks.
Opportunities
Structured apprenticeship programmes, industry-academia partnerships, and TVET alignment with sector needs can accelerate workforce readiness. Medical tourism from GCC and East Africa, pharmaceutical manufacturing (Oman Pharma City), digital health and telemedicine, genomics-driven personalised medicine, and PPP models for new hospitals.
Vision 2040 Targets
Increase healthcare GDP share to 7 percent; reduce pharmaceutical import dependency to 50 percent; train 5,000 Omani specialist physicians; achieve universal health insurance coverage; establish a regional genomics research centre.