Landmark Surgery in Oman: What This Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs in the Booming Healthcare Sector
MUSCAT, NOV 4 — A landmark 11-hour surgery at Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital in Muscat marks a significant achievement for Oman’s healthcare sector under the ‘Treat in Oman’ initiative, aimed at establishing the Sultanate as a hub for advanced medical care and health tourism in the region.
The procedure involved the successful removal of a rare inverted papilloma skull base tumour from Michael Ojabo, a 38-year-old Nigerian patient. The tumour had extensively spread to his brain and eye socket. This complex surgery was notably conducted entirely by an Omani-led multidisciplinary team, highlighting the country’s growing medical expertise and state-of-the-art facilities.
Led by Dr Khalil Ibrahim Macki, Senior Consultant ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, the team included specialists in neurosurgery, oculoplastic surgery, and anaesthesia. Employing a blend of endoscopic and open surgical techniques alongside cutting-edge technologies such as image-guided navigation and real-time monitoring, the team achieved complete tumour removal while safeguarding vital structures.
Dr Khalil Ibrahim Macki stated, “This case reflects the advanced surgical and medical capabilities that Oman now offers. Successfully treating such a tumour required close collaboration among multiple specialties and precision throughout the process. Our patient was extubated the same day, discharged within five days, and has since resumed a healthy, active life.”
This success underscores Oman’s emerging status in providing quaternary-level healthcare—the highest level of specialised medical treatment—previously accessible predominantly outside the country. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises healthcare excellence and medical tourism as core components of national development.
For Michael Ojabo, the experience was transformative. “Choosing to come to Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital for my treatment was truly life-changing,” he said. “The doctors took time to explain every detail, which gave me the confidence to move forward. I am forever grateful to the hospital and the incredible medical team for giving me a second chance at life.”
Dr Shashivadhanan, Senior Consultant Neurosurgery, highlighted the surgery’s complexity, emphasizing the need for exceptional coordination. “The tumour had breached both the cranial cavity and orbital space, pressing against critical neural structures. The success was due to the synergy of specialties and the use of intraoperative technology to ensure total removal while protecting brain function,” he explained.
This operation also illustrates how private healthcare providers like Aster contribute to advancing the government-supported ‘Treat in Oman’ agenda, designed to attract patients from the region and beyond.
Shailesh Guntu, Deputy CEO of Aster Hospitals, UAE & Oman, called the achievement more than a medical milestone. “What we have achieved here proves patients no longer need to travel abroad for advanced treatment. Oman possesses the expertise, infrastructure, and commitment to deliver world-class outcomes at home. This success reinforces our alignment with the national vision to promote medical tourism and serve patients across the region and beyond,” he said.
Inverted papillomas are rare, accounting for only 0.5–4% of all nasal tumours and mostly affecting individuals aged 40 to 60. Successfully treating a younger patient with extensive invasion into both the brain and orbit establishes Oman as a leader in complex skull base surgery within the GCC.
The case also highlights the power of collaborative medicine in Oman’s healthcare transformation. Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital’s team has set a new standard for integrated care by combining advanced surgical techniques, technology, and multidisciplinary expertise—key pillars of the ‘Treat in Oman’ vision.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The successful complex surgery at Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital marks a significant leap in Oman’s healthcare capabilities, positioning the Sultanate as a competitive hub for advanced medical care and health tourism in the GCC region. For businesses, this opens lucrative opportunities in healthcare investment and medical tourism infrastructure, while entrepreneurs should consider partnerships that leverage Oman’s growing expertise and government support under Oman Vision 2040. Smart investors must recognize the rising value of integrated, multidisciplinary healthcare services as a key growth sector aligned with national diversification goals.
