Oman: Preparations for national health insurance scheme in advanced phase
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Sep 2019
Preparations for the implementation of Oman’s national health insurance scheme, called ‘Dhamani’, have reached an advanced stage.
The progress of preparations for Dhamani was discussed at a recent meeting hosted by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and attended by representatives of the Chamber, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Manpower, Public Authority for Social Security and the Omani Insurance Association, reported Times of Oman.
The working group has finalised details such as issuance of the standard health insurance policy, announcement of tender for an electronic link among insurance companies, health institutions and regulators, an integrated database for health insurance, the phases of implementation of Dhamani by size of employers, etc.
The rules for the scheme are being discussed with the Ministry of Legal Affairs.
The working group also discussed the readiness of insurers to provide services under Dhamani.
The meeting also discussed the mechanism for providing medical treatment to the insured by government hospitals in the governorates and regions of the Sultanate where private health services are not available.
The scheme is scheduled to start operating by year-end, with international and large corporations set to participate in the scheme in the first phase. The insurance scheme will cover 2m workers in the private sector and visitors to the Sultanate, including workers’ spouses and children (21 years and below). M