Mandatory premarital examinationfrom today

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Health will embark on the implementation of the mandatory premarital medical examination for all Omanis preparing to get married, in accordance with Royal Decree No 111/2025, starting on January 1, 2026.
The medical examination includes cases of non-Omani spouses which take place inside or outside the Sultanate of Oman. The examination is a prerequisite to proceed with a marriage contract.
The Ministry of Health on Monday clarified that the implementation of the premarital medical examination aims to detect whether a person carries the genes for certain hereditary blood disorders, namely sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia, or whether they are infected with one of the infectious diseases targeted by the examination, namely hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS.
The ministry stressed that the decision is a preventive measure to limit the spread of genetic, hereditary and infectious diseases in society. Early detection of these diseases reduces the birth of children with hereditary blood disorders, thus sparing families and those affected health, social, psychological and financial problems. It also reduces the burden on healthcare institutions and blood banks resulting from treating patients, and prevents the transmission of infectious diseases between spouses and from mother to fetus in the future.
The ministry explained that the premarital medical examinations had been voluntary since 1999 and making it mandatory aims to increase the percentage of people undergoing the examination, which registered only 42 per cent in 2025. Therefore, it was crucial to take steps to support efforts aimed at promoting family health and ensuring a society free from these diseases.
The Ministry of Health clarified that the decision to make the examination mandatory doesn’t mean to interfere with the couple’s decision to proceed with the marriage or not. The aim is to ensure that both parties are fully aware of their potential health status and that of their future children when proceeding with marriage and starting a family. The examination includes laboratory tests and counselling based on the results.
The ministry stated that premarital medical examination services will be available at primary healthcare centres. Those wishing to get married need only visit any government health centre (for Omanis) or any private health centre recognised by the Ministry of Health to undergo the examination and receive appropriate medical advice. — ONA