The Sultanate of Oman has taken a significant step towards bolstering its public health infrastructure with the recent implementation of mandatory premarital medical examinations for all citizens, formalized under Royal Decree No. 111/2025. This proactive measure aims to dramatically reduce the incidence of genetic, hereditary, and infectious diseases, safeguarding the health of families and future generations. The initiative represents a cornerstone of Oman’s commitment to preventative healthcare and addresses the substantial health, social, and economic burdens associated with these conditions.
The Importance of Premarital Screening in Oman
Health specialists across the Sultanate have lauded the decision, emphasizing the critical role premarital medical examinations play in early disease detection. This early identification isn’t just about individual well-being; it’s about alleviating the strain on families and the national healthcare system. By proactively identifying potential health risks, Oman aims to improve overall public health outcomes and align with its national goals for family and community welfare.
Focus on Hereditary Blood Diseases
Dr. Intisar bint Nasser Al Shukri, a Consultant in Virology at the Ministry of Health’s Central Public Health Laboratory, highlighted the prevalence of sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, particularly beta thalassemia, as major concerns. These conditions are inherited through recessive genes, meaning both parents must be carriers for a child to be affected. Premarital screening effectively identifies these carriers, even if they exhibit no symptoms themselves.
Dr. Al Shukri explained the probabilities involved: if one partner is a carrier and the other is healthy, their children are generally healthy but may also carry the gene. However, if both partners are carriers, there’s a 25% chance with each pregnancy of having a child born with the disease. Early detection, therefore, significantly reduces the long-term burden on both families and the healthcare system, avoiding the emotional and financial strain of chronic illness and ongoing treatment.
Currently, treating hereditary blood diseases costs Oman approximately OMR55 annually per patient, encompassing medications, blood transfusions, surgeries, and even bone marrow transplants. Reducing the number of affected births allows these vital resources to be redirected to other critical healthcare services.
Beyond Blood Diseases: Infectious Disease Prevention
The scope of premarital screening extends beyond hereditary conditions. Dr. Musleh bin Mohammed Al-Muslehi, Senior Hematologist and Head of Laboratories at Ibra Hospital, underscored the importance of screening for infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. Early detection of these conditions allows for timely medical intervention and follow-up, minimizing complications and preventing further spread.
Dr. Al-Muslehi stressed the ethical considerations surrounding positive results, emphasizing the need for medical accuracy, patient dignity, and confirmatory testing before a final diagnosis is made. This careful approach ensures responsible and compassionate care.
Improving Access and Awareness
While advanced medical options like preimplantation genetic testing exist for carrier couples, their high cost, limited availability, and inherent risks restrict their widespread use. Therefore, a strong emphasis is being placed on genetic education. This education aims to dispel misconceptions and reduce the social stigma associated with being a carrier, clarifying the difference between carrying a gene and actually being affected by a disease. It also addresses the common misconception that consanguineous marriage is the sole cause of genetic diseases, as unrelated individuals can also carry the same genetic mutations.
Program Implementation and Future Goals
Dr. Raya bint Saeed Al-Kamyani, Head of the Pre-Pregnancy Care Department at the National Center for Women and Child Health, reported a beneficiary rate of 42% in 2024. However, given the national prevalence of hereditary blood diseases, which stands at 9.5%, this figure is considered insufficient. The mandate is expected to significantly close this gap.
To support the program, the Ministry of Health has invested in strengthening infrastructure, providing advanced laboratory equipment, establishing unified national guidelines, and training medical and laboratory personnel. Furthermore, qualified private health institutions have been accredited to ensure consistent service quality. This commitment to infrastructure development is crucial for the long-term success of the health screening initiative.
A Proactive Approach to Public Health
The implementation of mandatory premarital medical examinations in Oman is a clear demonstration of the nation’s commitment to preventative healthcare. By prioritizing prevention and early detection, Oman is not only protecting families and safeguarding the well-being of future generations but also ensuring the sustainability of its healthcare system. This proactive approach reflects a national vision where informed marital decisions and robust public health measures work in tandem to create a healthier and more prosperous future for all Omanis. Further information on the program and available resources can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website.
