Responses to the Pandemic COVID-19 in Primary Health Care in Oman: Muscat Experience

Abstract

Objectives: As coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was pervading different parts of the world, little has been published regarding responses undertaken within primary health care (PHC) facilities in Arabian Gulf countries. This paper describes such responses from January to mid-April 2020 in PHC, including public health measures in Muscat, Oman. Methods: This is a descriptive study showing the trends of the confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and the undertaken responses to the evolving epidemiological scenario. These responses were described utilizing the World Health Organizations’ building blocks for health care systems: Leadership and governance, Health workforce, Service delivery, Medical products and technologies, and health information management. Results: In mid-April 2020, cases of COVID-19 increased to 685 (particularly among non-nationals). As the cases were surging, the PHC responded by executing all guidelines and policies from the national medical and public health response committees and integrating innovative approaches. These included adapting comprehensive and multi-sectoral strategies, partnering with private establishments, and strengthening technology use (in tracking, testing, managing the cases, and data management). Conclusions: Facilities in the Muscat governorate, with the support from national teams, seemed to continuously scale-up their preparedness and responses to meet the epidemiological expectations in the management of COVID-19.