KABEER YOUSUF
Oman is intensifying its crackdown on counterfeit and substandard medicines, with the Drug Safety Center (DSC) under the Ministry of Health reaffirming that every drug entering the country is subject to rigorous scrutiny, international protocols, and strict national regulations.
A senior official from the DSC told the Observer that the Center maintains a zero-tolerance approach to pharmaceutical violations, ensuring that only safe, effective, and authorised medical products reach the Omani market.
“All medicines undergo a detailed review — from data verification to QC lab testing — and must comply with international guidelines as well as local regulatory requirements,” the official said. “We ensure products are sourced from authorised suppliers, stored at appropriate temperatures, and manufactured under good practices.”
All imported pharmaceutical products require DSC-issued registration certificates, with their details already integrated into the national system before arriving at entry points such as airports.
Speaking during the launch of Oman’s first online platform for OTC medicines, vitamins, and daily essentials delivered to homes, the official stressed that the DSC’s mandate goes beyond inspection. The Center also licences pharmacists and pharmaceutical institutions, regulates medical devices, oversees post-marketing surveillance, and initiates strict action against violators when standards are compromised.
“We also support the growth of local pharmaceutical manufacturing and encourage investment and innovation through a clear regulatory framework,” he added. “Our goal is to strengthen public trust by continuously improving processes and applying robust quality management principles.”
The DSC offers a wide range of services, including pharmacist and medical representative licensing, licence renewals, transfers between institutions, good standing certificates, pharmacy establishment permits, temporary closures, and changes in institutional area specifications.
Through its digital portal, the public can access these services and report any malpractice in pharmacies or healthcare-related services.
“We spare no effort in ensuring that only high-quality medicines with valid expiry dates are in circulation,” the official emphasised.
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