Oman, a peaceful and culturally rich country in the Arabian Peninsula, has grown into a regional leader in healthcare.
While its private hospitals are known for world-class medical technology and VIP services,
the government hospitals in Oman stand out for offering high-quality, affordable care to both residents and foreign tourists.
Whether you are an Omani citizen, an expatriate worker, or a traveler needing emergency medical help,
Oman’s public healthcare system provides accessible services with professional standards.
In recent years, Oman’s Ministry of Health has made significant investments in modernizing public hospitals, hiring internationally trained doctors, and ensuring that facilities meet global healthcare benchmarks.
One of the best aspects of healthcare in Oman is its inclusivity. Tourists and expats can receive treatment in public hospitals without the worry of language barriers or overwhelming expenses.
This complete guide will help you understand which government hospitals in Oman are best for residents and international patients, what services are offered, and how you can access affordable, reliable care while staying in the country.
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Understanding the Omani Public Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in Oman is primarily administered and funded by the Ministry of Health (MoH). Services provided in government hospitals are either free or available at minimal cost to Omani nationals.
However, the system also extends care to foreign residents and visitors, albeit with a small fee or through private insurance arrangements.
All government hospitals in Oman are managed under a strict regulatory framework. The medical staff is well-trained, with many doctors having received education or professional training in the UK, India, Egypt, or Europe.
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Nurses and paramedics are also multilingual, and English is widely spoken, which makes it easier for tourists or expats to communicate their needs.
Another notable strength of Oman’s public hospitals is their commitment to preventive care. The Ministry of Health emphasizes early diagnosis, patient education, chronic disease management, and maternal health as core areas of national health improvement.
Now, let’s explore the top government hospitals across Oman that offer excellent medical services at affordable rates for both tourists and residents.
1. The Royal Hospital – Muscat
The Royal Hospital in Muscat is the most advanced and well-equipped government hospital in Oman. It is directly managed by the Ministry of Health and functions as a referral center for complicated cases across the country.
With more than 1000 beds and state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, the Royal Hospital provides specialized care in cardiology, oncology, nephrology, pediatrics, surgery, and intensive care.
Foreigners, including tourists, can access outpatient and emergency services here, especially in critical situations.
The hospital staff includes many English-speaking consultants and nursing teams, which makes communication easier for international patients.
If you are staying in Muscat and face a serious health issue, the Royal Hospital should be your first destination for reliable, affordable care.
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2. Khoula Hospital – Muscat
Khoula Hospital is another flagship government hospital in Muscat, known for its exceptional services in trauma, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and neurosurgery.
This hospital has one of the most advanced emergency departments in the country and is fully equipped to handle accidents and critical trauma cases.
It also has a specialized burns unit and rehabilitation services, which attract patients from neighboring GCC countries.
English-speaking staff are available throughout the hospital, and the atmosphere is welcoming even to tourists who might not be familiar with Arabic.
Khoula Hospital’s orthopedic and neurosurgical units are especially valuable for residents working in labor-intensive jobs or travelers injured during excursions or road travel.
3. Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) – Al Khoud, Muscat
Sultan Qaboos University Hospital is a teaching and tertiary care hospital affiliated with Sultan Qaboos University. It is widely respected for offering clinical services alongside medical education and research.
For both residents and non-citizens, SQUH provides high-quality care in departments such as oncology, radiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and pediatric medicine. The hospital runs a smooth appointment system and emergency services are open 24/7.
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SQUH has a strong culture of using English for medical documentation and communication. Many of the doctors are also professors and researchers who trained internationally, making it one of the best options for foreigners seeking specialist care at affordable government rates.
4. Nizwa Hospital – Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate
Located in the historical city of Nizwa, this government hospital serves as a regional referral center for central Oman. Nizwa Hospital has a capacity of over 300 beds and covers a wide range of medical specialties including general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, ENT, and pediatrics.
For expats living outside Muscat or tourists traveling through Oman’s mountain regions, Nizwa Hospital offers dependable emergency care. English is commonly spoken among doctors and senior nurses, and medical forms are available in both English and Arabic.
The hospital also supports maternity services, making it a good option for foreign residents needing prenatal or delivery care at minimal cost.
5. Sohar Hospital – Al Batinah North Governorate
Sohar Hospital is the largest public hospital in northern Oman and an important center for coastal communities. With a capacity of more than 500 beds, it provides specialized services in areas such as cardiology, nephrology, urology, and general surgery.
This hospital is particularly helpful for residents and industrial workers in Sohar’s expanding industrial zone, which includes many foreign nationals.
The hospital handles occupational health issues, chronic disease management, and accident emergencies with a structured protocol that includes English-language support.
If you are a visitor or short-term resident in Sohar, the hospital provides both walk-in and emergency medical services that are affordable and internationally competent.
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6. Salalah Hospital – Dhofar Governorate
Salalah, a popular tourist destination in southern Oman, is served by Salalah Government Hospital. It is the main public hospital in the Dhofar region and has well-developed departments for emergency medicine, surgery, dermatology, psychiatry, and gynecology.
Tourists visiting during the Khareef season (monsoon) often find this hospital essential for minor ailments, infections, or injury treatment. Expats living in the Dhofar region also rely on Salalah Hospital for routine medical care, prenatal services, and chronic disease monitoring.
Doctors and nurses at Salalah Hospital are generally comfortable speaking English, and patient coordination is smooth for foreigners.
7. Ibra Hospital – Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate
Serving the eastern provinces of Oman, Ibra Hospital provides basic and specialized medical care for residents and travelers. It includes internal medicine, orthopedics, maternity care, and dental services.
The hospital is strategically located near desert regions and eco-tourist destinations, which makes it a key stop for any tourist experiencing illness or injury during rural excursions.
While Arabic is the primary language, English-speaking medical staff are available in most departments. The hospital offers affordable care without compromising on quality or patient safety.
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What Services Are Available for Foreign Patients?
Oman’s government hospitals offer a wide range of services for foreign patients, including:
- Emergency medical care
- Inpatient admissions and surgeries
- Outpatient consultations and diagnostics
- Maternity and neonatal services
- Dialysis and chronic disease management
- Vaccinations and preventive care
- Psychiatric counseling and rehabilitation
All of these services are available at government-subsidized rates. Tourists and expats should carry their passport and residence card (if applicable) and ideally have travel or private health insurance to simplify payment processes.
While emergency services are provided regardless of documentation, planned treatments or follow-ups may require insurance or payment in advance for non-residents.
English Language Support in Public Hospitals
One of the biggest concerns for foreign patients is whether they can communicate easily with hospital staff. Fortunately, English is widely spoken across Oman’s public hospitals, especially in urban areas like Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah.
Medical reports, prescriptions, and test results are often available in English. For complex cases, hospitals may also provide interpreter support. The use of English is especially strong in departments like emergency medicine, surgery, internal medicine, and women’s health.
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Tips for Residents and Tourists Seeking Government Hospital Care
- For emergency care, dial 9999 to request an ambulance anywhere in Oman.
- Carry identification such as a passport or resident card at all times when seeking hospital care.
- Visit early in the morning for walk-in services or OPD appointments to avoid long wait times.
- Check if the hospital accepts your insurance or offers direct billing.
- Always keep a list of your medications and health conditions ready in English.
- Respect cultural norms in hospital settings, including dress codes and gender separation in waiting areas.
- Consult the Ministry of Health’s official website (www.moh.gov.om) for updates on services and COVID-19 protocols.
Final Thoughts
Government hospitals in Oman provide a strong foundation of affordable, reliable, and compassionate care for both locals and international visitors.
From the Royal Hospital in Muscat to regional centers like Sohar, Salalah, and Nizwa, foreign patients are welcomed with professionalism and dignity.
The affordability of care, coupled with modern facilities and English-speaking staff, makes Oman’s public healthcare system a valuable resource for tourists, expats, and temporary residents.
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Whether you need urgent care, maternal services, chronic disease management, or diagnostic tests, you can trust Oman’s public hospitals to deliver safe, accessible care without overwhelming costs.
As the country continues to develop its health sector with an emphasis on quality and inclusiveness, government hospitals remain a dependable choice for anyone in need of medical attention during their stay in this beautiful Gulf nation.