Introducing Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Obaid Al Saidi
As part of a series of publications about foreign speakers at the II CIS Orphan Forum (June 26-27, Moscow) we present Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Obaid Al-Saidi — one of the leading organizers of healthcare in the Middle East, representing the Sultanate of Oman.
Oman, a Middle Eastern country with a population of about 5 million people, spends about 4.4% of GDP on healthcare (approximately $850 per capita).
- More than 80% of expenses are covered by the state, private ones — about 19% of the total. Universal health coverage covers all citizens, and some expatriates (43% of the population) have private health insurance.
- Omani government policy prioritizes effective drug provision, newborn screening, and strengthening genetic and preventive services, particularly in line with the Health Vision 2050 strategy.
Dr Ahmed Al Saidi, Oman’s Minister of Health from 2010 to 2022, Vice-Chairman of the WHO Executive Board, and Chairman of the Supreme Council of Arab Medical Specialties, played a key role in modernizing the country’s health system.
Under his leadership, national screening programmes were introduced, primary care infrastructure was strengthened, and the Muscat Orphan Centre was established to provide comprehensive care for patients with inherited diseases.
At the Forum, Dr. Al-Saidi will present the situation with rare diseases in Oman, and discuss opportunities for international cooperation, including sustainable drug supply and development of pharmaceutical production.
