Oman’s central health laboratories considered national, regional reference centres

Oman’s central health laboratories considered national, regional reference centres

NNA - Public health laboratories are a cornerstone of the disease investigation and surveillance system. Medical laboratories are among the most important diagnostic pillars in health care and considered the most important pillar of essential national security.  

The Central Public Health Laboratories in the Sultanate of Oman continue their great efforts in detecting novel viruses. This was clearly evident during the coronavirus pandemic and its role in epidemiological preparedness and response, in addition to the great role played by global health laboratories in previous years, during the pandemics that swept the world such as the SARS virus in 2003, H1N1 swine flu, and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus.

Confirming the role of central laboratories, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik when chairing one of the meetings of the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on 2 June 2020, ordered the establishment of a new central laboratory for public health. The move comes to keep pace with technical developments and modern technical systems. The new central laboratory envisaged to cover the needs required when necessity arises.

The Ministry of Health is seeking to establish an integrated modern building for the Central Public Health Laboratories to be operated by