Muscat – Individuals covered by Oman’s Social Protection Law will have 60 days to appeal medical decisions issued by licensed healthcare institutions under a new mechanism established by the Ministry of Health.

HE Dr Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, issued Decision No 290/2026 on September 29 establishing two medical grievance committees to review appeals involving beneficiaries of the sultanate’s social protection schemes.

One committee will handle grievances related to the Social Protection Fund, while the other will consider appeals involving the Military and Security Services Pension Fund.

The committees must decide on a complete appeal within 30 days of receiving all required information and documents.

Each committee will comprise an odd number of members, with at least five members, including a chairperson and deputy chairperson. Members must hold positions no lower than consultant doctor, while reserve members will also be appointed.

The committees can request additional documents and information from appellants and other relevant parties before preparing a complete case file. They can also seek the assistance of medical specialists and experts when required.

Cases will generally be examined in person. However, alternative arrangements, including medical reports or video conferencing, may be used when the person concerned is outside Oman and unable to return, is bedridden and difficult to transport, or is in prison and cannot attend.

The same arrangements may apply in other circumstances where attending in person is difficult or impossible.

The decision also establishes safeguards to ensure the committees’ independence. Members must recuse themselves from an appeal if they have a connection that could affect their impartiality, or if they or a relative up to the fourth degree has a direct or indirect interest in the appellant.

Each committee will have a secretary responsible for administrative work, coordinating meetings, maintaining records and notifying appellants and relevant parties of decisions.

The committees will maintain official records of grievances, meetings, decisions and expert reports. Government and private healthcare institutions will be required to assist them in obtaining relevant medical files, documents, data and records.

The committees may access medical records held by both government and private healthcare institutions when required to assess cases.

The decision will take effect from the day following its publication in the Official Gazette, establishing a formal appeal route for beneficiaries who dispute medical decisions made in connection with social protection benefits.