Oman’s central public health lab to start operations in 2025

Muscat – Oman’s state-of-the-art central health laboratory will be operational during the second half of next year, with its construction going on full swing.

The construction of the Central Public Health Laboratory is progressing steadily, with 60% of the construction completed, officials informed, adding that this new facility in Seeb is being developed at a cost of around RO18.2mn, covering an area of over 18,000sqm.

Dr Hanan bint Salem al Kindi, Director of the Public Health Laboratories Department in the Ministry of Health, said the laboratory will centralise all of the ministry’s reference public health labs, improving diagnostic capabilities and supporting public health and safety efforts.

“Bringing these laboratories together under one roof will enhance our ability to diagnose and respond to health threats more effectively,” she explained.

The three-storey building will include modern biosafety level 3 (BSL3) labs for handling high-risk microbes and level 2 labs for testing viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and toxins. It will also feature a wing for receiving samples, administrative offices, a 130-seat lecture hall, and facilities dedicated to various specialisations, including newborn screenings and environmental testing.

“We’ve designed the lab with sustainability and safety in mind,” said Dr Hanan. She added that the construction ensures biological containment, with access to mechanical systems through external corridors to avoid any disruption to containment measures. The laboratory will also house a number of important departments, including those dedicated to viral studies, public health quality control, and genetic sequencing.

Collaboration has been key to the project’s development. The design process involved extensive consultation between Omani health officials and experts from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A team also visited several American labs to study the latest advances in laboratory construction, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once operational, the Central Public Health Laboratory will serve as a regional hub for public health research, working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international bodies. The facility will contribute to improving healthcare not only in Oman but also across the region, positioning the country as a leader in health security and research.

Dr Hanan informed that the ministry is already preparing national staff to manage the lab’s operations through ongoing training and development programmes.