The center at Burjeel Hospital Al Khuwair, Muscat, offers comprehensive cancer care to patients in Oman, making specialized oncology services more accessible

Muscat, Oman — May 22, 2025: As part of expanding its advanced cancer care services, Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI), one of the largest cancer care networks in the UAE, has launched its first center in Oman. The new center at Burjeel Hospital Al Khuwair, Muscat, marks a major milestone in Burjeel Holdings' ongoing commitment to making specialized oncology services more accessible across the GCC.

Inauguration of Burjeel Cancer Institute Center in Oman

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr. Adil Saleh Al Ansari, MD, Assistant Director General Private Health Establishments at the Ministry of Health, Oman; Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings; Mr. John Sunil, Group CEO of Burjeel Holdings; Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of BCI; Dr. Suad Alkharusi, Senior consultant Medical oncologist, Director of the National Oncology Center, Royal Hospital; Dr. Abeer Anwar Abdullah Al Saegh, MD, Senior Consultant in Medical and Cancer Genetics In-Charge of Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, University Medical City; Dr. Taha Mohsin Juma Al Lawati, Vice President of the Oman Medical Association, and Founder of the Oman Society of Oncology; Dr. Ismail Al Abri, Consultant Interventional Electrophysiologist, Deputy Director for Medical Affairs, Royal Hospital; Dr. Mohammed Al Lamki, Senior Oncology Pharmacist, Head Of Department of National Oncology Centre Pharmacy, Senior Oncology Pharmacist at the National Oncology Center, Royal Hospital; Dr. Adil Al Jarrah Al Ajmi, Senior Consultant and Head of the Breast Program at SQCCCRC; Dr. Nihal Afifi, Senior Specialist Family Physician, Ministry of Health, Head of School for the University and Adolescent Health Section; and Dr. Ibrahim Abu Gheida, Medical Director of BCI.

During the launch, Dr Sultan Salim Al Harthy, Director of Treatment Abroad at Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in developing unified cancer management policies. He noted that this initiative will improve patient care and contribute to building a sustainable healthcare system in Oman.

The new center complements BCI's integrated network in the UAE, which includes its flagship facility at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Abu Dhabi and recently launched centers in Sharjah and Al Ain. Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies and staffed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, the Muscat center is designed to provide advanced cancer diagnostics, treatment, and procedures, eliminating the need for patients to travel abroad. Global experts at BMC will support in handling complex cases.

We aim to provide timely, advanced, and compassionate care to ensure that every patient has access to world-class treatments closer to home. By expanding our network, we are bringing cutting-edge oncology services to more communities and supporting patients at every stage of their journey with expertise, compassion, and hope.

Core services include adult and pediatric oncology, surgical oncology, hematology-oncology, bone marrow transplantation, plastic surgery, and breast reconstruction. The center also provides comprehensive support through dedicated teams for chemotherapy, psychological care, rehabilitation, and other specialized services. It features laboratory services for genetic and molecular testing, advanced diagnostic imaging (including mammography, CT, and MRI), and a specialized chemotherapy unit. Same-day diagnostics and services are available for patient convenience.

BCI Oman's oncology department, spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi, is staffed with a team of experts, including:

Full time:
Dr. Ashok Sebastian Komaranchath - Consultant Medical Oncologist
Dr. Ramez Albakouni - Specialist in Hematology and Oncology

Visiting:
Dr. Adil Al Ajmi - Senior Consultant, Breast Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Ibrahim Al Waili - Consultant, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (General Surgeon)
Dr. Zainul Aabideen - Consultant Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and BMT (Visiting from Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi)

On the sidelines of the launch, a panel discussion brought together representatives from both public and private healthcare sectors to explore the future of oncology in Oman. Participants emphasized the need for a unified approach to cancer care aligned with the Oman Ministry of Health's Vision 2040, which aims to create a healthy society. Key recommendations included enhancing institutional collaboration, streamlining care procedures through public-private partnerships, and implementing seamless patient transport programs for follow-up.

Burjeel Cancer Institute Opens New Center in Oman to Expand Advanced Cancer Care