Oman implemented a voluntary premarital screening in 1999 to control genetic diseases and foster a healthy society. Come 2026, it will become mandatory for marriages in the country. The Observer spoke to doctors on this topic to dispel scepticism in some sections of the society.
Dr Jamila al Abri, a consultant physician and Director of the Women and Child Health Department, Ministry of Health, said premarital medical examination is an essential step in reducing the spread of sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, which are considered among the most prevalent genetic diseases in Oman.
According to surveys, the prevalence of hereditary blood diseases in Oman is 9.5 per cent, a high percentage that cripple the lives of individuals and their families. “It is important to ensure that premarital medical examination is not viewed as an obstacle, but rather as an opportunity to ensure the health of future generations. We also need to raise awareness among young people about the benefits of the examination, and provide them with the necessary advice to deal with the results.”
Al Abri said such patients face frequent hospitalisations and periodic blood transfusions. These challenges lead to psychological and economic pressure on families, making premarital medical examination an important step to reduce these burdens.
Dr Saleh al Hanai, senior physician, said the screening is not limited to detecting diseases, but also contributes to improving the health of the family and society in the long term. These examinations are available in MoH health centres, making it easier for citizens to obtain the necessary preventive health care.
Despite the health benefits, some citizens flag social stigma of the outcome of premarital checkup. Some may consider that these may lead to a decline in marriage opportunities or anxiety between spouses.
Mohammed bin Salem A, a citizen, says: "Premarital medical examination is a very important step, especially if there is a family history of genetic diseases. However, some people may feel pressure or social rejection if they discover that they have a genetic disease. It is better for these examinations to be provided in an awareness and educational context, rather than being just a routine procedure."
Some others believe that premarital medical examination may not be the best solution for all cases. Fatima Lahnaiah says: “I support these tests, but I think that some people may have difficulty accepting the results if there are health problems. Perhaps we should work on raising awareness of how to deal with these and how to provide psychological support to those about to get married.”
Suad Al Maamari believes that the screening may not be acceptable to some people. “At first, I was hesitant about undergoing premarital checks, but after learning about the risks of genetic diseases, I became more convinced of the importance of this examination. However, the examination must be presented in a way that encourages acceptance of the results, and educates people about the available treatment opportunities.”
Many people voiced the need to reduce the fear or anxiety that may accompany the results of the examinations. Some believe that providing psychological support to couples about to get married can help them deal with the test results more positively.
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#Premarital check-ups include tests to assess the prevalence of sickle cell anemia and thalassemia in couples
##Thalassemia affects 2% of children under five years old, while sickle cell anemia is found in 6% of children in the same age group
#Patients with these conditions often require regular blood transfusions
#These diseases are inherited through genetic material (genes), with one gene passed down from each parent
#The disease can be passed down through generations within a family, often without being detected, as symptoms may not appear
#If both individuals carry the disease, there is a risk their children may inherit it
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