Healthcare in Oman Between Past and Present Achievements, Human Security and the COVID-19 Pandemic

This article results from research on the most recent effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Sultanate of Oman. Interdependence is investigated along with the inherent fragility of a health system made more vulnerable by its high reliance on migrants. As part of the history of modern Oman, development of the health sector was pursued with sweeping reforms during Sultan Qaboos’ reign (1970-2020): the achievements of those years are valued and studied, against the backdrop of Omani cultural roots and specific social environment. The regional dimension emerges, together with the interregional networks of this country. The issue of human security comes to the fore and is even more evident in relation to the challenges posed by the health emergency in 2020. At the beginning of Sultan Haitham’s reign, new efforts are required to address an unprecedented crisis, as underlined in the article, also stressing the importance of initiatives relating to investments and re-qualification, within a regional and interregional dimension.