The Sultanate of Oman’s health system has developed rapidly since 1970, with the discovery of oil as well as the strong central government of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. However, despite its investment and dedication to improving the health care available to its citizens, Oman has just begun to address concerns linked to cultural beliefs and social perceptions, including mental health and reproductive health. This study examines how the government has addressed mental and reproductive health, the realities on the ground, and the ways in which cultural perceptions and recent social change influence these health challenges. This study is based on semi-structured interviews with Omani health professionals that have been used to identify hurdles as well as opportunities that exist to strengthen the quality of care in these newly emerging fields in the Omani public health system.

The Sultanate of Oman’s health system has developed rapidly since 1970, with the discovery of oil as well as the strong central government of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. However, despite its investment and dedication to improving the health care available to its citizens, Oman has just begun to address ...