Muscat: The Ministry of Health today celebrated the inauguration of the Central Public Health Laboratory, which stands as a national, regional, and global reference in the field of public health laboratories. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior.
According to Oman News Agency, the establishment of the center aims to enhance health and prevent disease by leading in laboratory sciences, supporting public health and environmental activities, building networks, and providing rapid response. Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Al Mandhari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Planning and Health Regulation, emphasized that the opening of the Central Public Health Laboratory is a significant pillar of public health and a fundamental component of the national health security system in Oman.
Dr. Al Mandhari highlighted that the Sultanate of Oman has achieved a remarkable milestone in the health sector with the inauguration of three vital health development projects. He noted that health is a top priority of Oman Vision 2040, aiming for a society enjoying advanced care and sustainable health. The directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to establish the laboratory reflect the strategic importance of investing in the health of Omani citizens and enhancing the national health sector's preparedness for various risks and outbreaks.
Dr. Ali bin Abdulhussein Al-Lawati, Advisor to the Minister's Office for Engineering Affairs at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the laboratory, established on a 53,000 square meter land area with an estimated cost of RO 18.2 million, is one of the most prominent projects in the health sector. It houses the latest technologies, including high-security laboratories and specialized facilities in fields such as virology, bacteriology, chemistry, and bioinformatics.
Dr. Zakariya bin Yahya Al Balushi, Director General of the Disease Surveillance and Control Center, stated that the laboratory enhances the national health system by providing quality laboratory services that support early detection of diseases and rapid response to health threats. It will coordinate with international organizations and develop a comprehensive quality system in laboratories to ensure compliance with international standards.
Dr. Hanan bint Salim Al Kindi, Director of the Central Public Health Laboratory Department at the Ministry of Health, explained that the laboratory serves as a reference point for epidemiological investigation and early warning systems. It aims to enhance national health security through precise diagnostic services and support various public health programs.
An internal committee oversees safety and biosecurity, ensuring compliance with quality and biosafety standards. The quality assurance laboratory manages programs to monitor the quality of results from laboratories and collaborates with the World Health Organization in several reference laboratory initiatives.
The laboratory includes reference laboratories for polio, measles, rubella, influenza, and emerging diseases, collaborating with the World Health Organization to support global health initiatives.