A DGPHE team meets the owner or the medical director for about 15 minutes, assesses for no more than 90, and closes with a 15 minute meeting and signed minutes. The report follows within ten working days, with a request for a corrective plan.
The three phases of a visit
Before the visit the team reads the establishment's file, its licence, specialties, past reports and any complaints. On site it opens with a 15 minute meeting to explain the purpose of the visit and ask for the documents it needs. The assessment itself, set by the team leader, runs no longer than 90 minutes and checks that the establishment is used as licensed, that it meets the requirements in force and that its equipment matches its lists. A 15 minute closing meeting records the findings in official minutes, signed by the owner or their representative, who keeps a copy.1
What the team may do
Team members may inspect any part of the premises, photograph or film it, take samples, copy any document and ask any member of staff for documents or information. Obstructing them, or giving them information you know to be false, is itself a violation. They must not enter an examination or treatment room while a patient is being seen without permission.1 DGPHE's manual has the team meet the medical director and the quality focal points, give a verbal brief before leaving, and fill in a violation form when a major violation is found.2
| Part of the visit | Length | What to have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Opening meeting | 15 minutes | The owner or medical director, and the licence |
| Assessment | Up to 90 minutes | Patient files, staff files, complaint files and equipment lists |
| Closing meeting | 15 minutes | Someone authorised to sign the minutes |
| Report | Within 10 working days | A named owner for the corrective plan |
- Greet and verify. Ask the team to identify themselves, then call the medical director.
- Name one coordinator. One person fetches every file and document the team asks for.
- Protect patients' privacy. Agree when the team may enter rooms in use.
- Note every request. What was asked for, what was given and what was copied.
- Read the minutes before signing. Keep your copy, and start the corrective plan that day.
- Date ______ Team leader ______ Visit type ______
- Coordinator ______
- Files requested ______ Copies taken ______
- Findings noted ______
- Minutes signed by ______ Copy kept ______
- Corrective plan owner ______ Due ______
Questions
How long does a DGPHE visit last?
The assessment runs up to 90 minutes, with a 15 minute meeting before and after it.
When does the report arrive?
DGPHE's policy has teams issue every report within ten working days.
Can we appeal a violations committee decision?
Yes. Under Article 53 of the 2019 law the decision is notified within 30 days, and you may appeal to the Minister within 60 days of being notified.
Sources
- 1Ministry of Health, Oman, 2025Supervision and Control Policy for Private Health Establishments, MOH/DGPHE/P&P/006/Vers.01, February 2025 (Arabic)Read source
- 2Ministry of Health, Oman, 2024Licensing Regulations for Private Health Establishments Manual, MoH/DGPHE/F/013/Vers.003, August 2024Read source
- 3Qanoon.om, 2025Law Regulating the Practice of the Medical Profession and Allied Medical Professions, issued by Royal Decree 75/2019, as amended up to Royal Decree 44/2025Read source
Written by the wai team from Oman Ministry of Health guidance, checked on 16 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. Oman MOH does not endorse wai or any software.