General Oncology Care in Oman

Abstract

The Sultanate of Oman is located on the Arabian Peninsula and is part of Western Asia. Oman has a relatively young population. The economy is based on oil, agriculture, fishing, and overseas trading. Oman spends around 3% of its GDP on health care. Omani nationals have free access to public healthcare. Due to increased incomes and changing lifestyles, the rate of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) including cancer is rising. This is slowly saturating the system and increasing health care costs. Cancer is now the third leading cause of mortality. The age-adjusted annual incidence of cancer ranges from 70 to 110 per 100,000 population. Oman has an operational national NCD action plan. This multi-sectoral plan was launched in 2018 and focuses on the government approach in addressing NCDs including cancer, highlighting the prevention and control strategies. There is an integrated cancer care service, cancer registry, and cancer control program; under the auspices of the Directorate general of Non-communicable diseases—Ministry of Health. Oman has envisioned an ambitious long-term health care plan called “Health care Vision 2050”, which includes the development and progression of cancer care services as well. This plan has an emphasis on development, patient empowerment, public awareness, health education, integration and accessibility of services, screening, and early detection, public–private partnership, indulgence for NGOs, research, and capacity building.

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Family Caregivers of Adult Cancer Patients in Oman: Predictors of Caregivers’ Self-efficacy for Cancer Pain and Related Symptom Management at Home

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