Call to make premarital screening compulsory gains pace in Oman
Ibri – Ministry of Health held a seminar in Ibri, Dhahirah on Tuesday highlighting the vital role of premarital medical screening in building healthy families and raising community awareness.
Held under the theme 'Premarital Medical Screening: A Step Towards Building a Healthy Family and an Informed Society', the seminar formed part of National Premarital Screening Programme to promote awareness on premarital testing.
It was organised by the Directorate General of Health Services in Dhahirah and held under the patronage of Najib bin Ali al Rawas, Governor of Dhahirah.
The seminar underscored the need to intensify awareness campaigns targeting youth and those preparing for marriage, and called for making premarital screening a mandatory requirement.
Participants also recommended the establishment of dedicated counseling sessions to help prospective couples understand and manage test results in a scientific and compassionate manner. Emphasis was placed on upholding confidentiality and privacy of test results, and on preventing any misuse of such information. Dr Ahmed bin Saeed al Kalbani, Director General of Health Services in Dhahirah
The seminar further called for stronger collaboration between health, educational, media and religious institutions to support and promote a culture of premarital testing.
Among the recommendations was the need to provide psychological and social support for couples whose test results are incompatible, especially in cases where health issues could impact marriage plans.
Inclusion of premarital screening topics in school curricula from Grades 10 to 12 and at the university level was also proposed to promote early awareness, foster scientific research, and reduce the incidence of genetic diseases.
These initiatives align with Oman Vision 2040 objectives for public health and quality of life, focusing on prevention and community wellbeing.
Dr Ahmed bin Saeed al Kalbani, Director General of Health Services in Dhahirah, described premarital screening as a cornerstone to preventing hereditary diseases, and a proactive step that can spare families long-term suffering.
The seminar featured several presentations by specialists on the medical, social and legal aspects of screening.
Prof Dr Salam bin Salem al Kindi, Senior Consultant of Hematology at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, reviewed key genetic diseases covered by the National Premarital Screening Programme.
Dr Sarah bint Nasser al Waili, Director of Primary Healthcare Department, outlined the objectives and implementation mechanisms of the National Premarital Screening Programme.
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