Oman has marked a significant milestone in its healthcare development: the Royal Hospital in Muscat successfully completed an external audit of its nuclear medicine services by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This was done through the agency’s globally recognized QUANUM (Quality Management Audit in Nuclear Medicine Practices) methodology.
The Royal Hospital — Oman’s national referral center serving over 4.6 million people — became the first healthcare institution in the country to complete this advanced peer-reviewed audit. The findings will not only support the hospital’s quality assurance goals but also elevate nuclear medicine in Oman to international standards.
Strengthening Nuclear Medicine in Oman Through IAEA Support
The QUANUM mission, conducted in May 2025, included experts from the IAEA and international radiation medicine specialists. Their goal: to review the clinical, technical, and operational quality of nuclear medicine services provided by the Royal Hospital in Muscat.
Every aspect of nuclear medicine was evaluated:
Patient onboarding and referral systems
Imaging protocols and therapeutic interventions
Staff roles and qualifications
Equipment safety and maintenance
Radiation protection procedures
This level of scrutiny positions Oman’s Royal Hospital as a regional model for safe, effective nuclear healthcare delivery.
What Is the QUANUM Audit?
The QUANUM program — developed by the IAEA — is a free, structured audit service offered to nuclear medicine departments worldwide. It involves:
Self-assessment by the facility
External peer-review by IAEA-approved international experts
Evaluation of service delivery, safety, and compliance
Tailored improvement plan and follow-up review
Oman’s Royal Hospital began with an internal assessment and later requested the IAEA to conduct an external evaluation. Their proactive approach reflects a national commitment to achieving world-class healthcare in Oman.
Royal Hospital’s Role in National Healthcare
Situated in Muscat, the Royal Hospital is a center of excellence in specialized care. Its nuclear medicine department provides diagnostic imaging, therapy, and radioactive isotope treatment for a variety of illnesses including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
As a referral center, it serves the most complex patient cases in Oman. Ensuring that its practices meet global standards is not just a formality — it is essential to patient safety, accurate diagnoses, and treatment effectiveness.
Why This Audit Matters for Healthcare in Oman
This audit underlines several important national and regional developments:
Rising patient volumes in Muscat and across Oman make quality assurance more important than ever.
With global diseases like cancer on the rise, early detection through nuclear medicine is essential.
International audits like QUANUM encourage a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Improved data management, radiation safety, and staff training directly benefit Omani patients.
According to the IAEA team, the Royal Hospital demonstrated strengths in documentation, team engagement, and commitment to patient-centered care.
Supporting Oman’s Vision for Advanced Healthcare
The mission was organized under IAEA project OMA6012, which aims to improve diagnostic and treatment capacity for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This aligns with Oman’s broader health strategy to build quality medical infrastructure supported by global institutions.
The audit also complements other IAEA quality assurance missions:
QUATRO for radiation oncology
QUAADRIL for diagnostic radiology
Omani health authorities are expected to scale similar initiatives across other hospitals in the coming years.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (SEO-Optimized)
1. What is the IAEA QUANUM audit?
QUANUM is the IAEA’s quality audit program for nuclear medicine departments. It reviews medical, technical, and safety procedures to ensure international compliance.
2. Why was the Royal Hospital in Muscat audited?
The hospital voluntarily requested the IAEA QUANUM audit to improve quality and meet international standards in its nuclear medicine practices.
3. How does the audit improve healthcare in Oman?
The audit identifies gaps in procedures, improves patient safety, enhances diagnostic accuracy, and helps develop stronger staff protocols in nuclear medicine.
4. Is this the first IAEA audit in Oman?
Yes, this was Oman’s first full QUANUM external audit. It marks an important milestone for the Royal Hospital and sets a national benchmark for quality.
5. What happens after the QUANUM audit?
The IAEA provides a detailed report with findings and an action plan. The hospital uses this to implement improvements and may request a follow-up review in 1–2 years.
✅ Final Thoughts
By successfully completing the IAEA QUANUM audit, the Royal Hospital has reaffirmed its leadership in nuclear medicine and patient care in Oman. This achievement is a vital step toward aligning national healthcare systems with global safety and performance standards.
As nuclear medicine in Oman continues to evolve, the role of institutions like the Royal Hospital — with the support of international agencies like the IAEA — will shape a safer, more effective, and patient-centered future for the country.
