Oman implements Omanisation policy in all commercial and hospital pharmacies
Muscat – In a decisive move to boost national workforce development, the Ministry of Health's Drug Safety Center has issued a directive mandating Omanisation in all pharmacies operating within commercial complexes and internal hospital facilities.
According to Circular No. 167/2025, dated 13 July 2025, all such pharmacies are now required to initiate Omanisation of their pharmaceutical workforce, in line with national employment strategies.
The circular clearly states that effective immediately, the renewal of professional licenses for non-Omani pharmacists and assistant pharmacists in these establishments will no longer be permitted.
Institutions have been urged to take the necessary steps to comply with this directive promptly to avoid any disruption to operations.
The Ministry asked for full cooperation of all stakeholders in implementing this decision.
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Pharmacist jobs in hospitals and commercial centres Omanised
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a directive mandating Omanisation of pharmacy jobs in commercial complexes and hospital-affiliated in-house pharmacies. A circular (No 167/2025) dated July 13, issued by the Drug Safety Centre under MoH, instructed that professional licences of non-Omani pharmacists and assistant pharmacists in these establishments will not be renewed. The directive takes immediate effect. Signed by Ibrahim Nasser al Rashdi, Director General of Drug Safety Centre, the circular forms part of broader national efforts to enhance employment opportunities for qualified Omani professionals in the pharmaceutical field. 'All concerned entities are urged to take the necessary steps to implement this directive in a timely manner,' the circular said. The circular has been sent to all pharmacies operating in commercial complexes and those affiliated with hospitals. The decision follows the Health Sector Employment Governance Committee's discussions in January with Majlis A'Shura's Youth and Human Resources Committee on key initiatives aimed at advancing employment of Omanis in the health sector, focusing on complete Omanisation of the pharmacy profession in the private sector.
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15 hours ago
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Oman implements Omanisation policy in all commercial and hospital pharmacies
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – In a decisive move to boost national workforce development, the Ministry of Health's Drug Safety Center has issued a directive mandating Omanisation in all pharmacies operating within commercial complexes and internal hospital facilities. According to Circular No. 167/2025, dated 13 July 2025, all such pharmacies are now required to initiate Omanisation of their pharmaceutical workforce, in line with national employment strategies. The circular clearly states that effective immediately, the renewal of professional licenses for non-Omani pharmacists and assistant pharmacists in these establishments will no longer be permitted. Institutions have been urged to take the necessary steps to comply with this directive promptly to avoid any disruption to operations. The Ministry asked for full cooperation of all stakeholders in implementing this decision.
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16 hours ago
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Graduates welcome mandatory Omanisation in pharmacies
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a circular 167/2025 calling for mandatory Omanization in pharmacies located within commercial complexes and hospital facilities. The directive specifically states that licenses for non-Omani pharmacists and their assistants will no longer be renewed. The decision has been widely welcomed, particularly by Omani pharmacy graduates who have long voiced concerns about the lack of employment opportunities in private pharmacies, which have been largely dominated by expatriate professionals for years. For many pharmacy graduates in the Sultanate, the circular marks a long-awaited turning point. Saeed al Amri, a recent graduate with a pharmacy degree from a local university, expressed his optimism, saying, 'My classmates and I have been waiting for a decision like this since graduation. Unfortunately, the private sector has been heavily reliant on expat pharmacists. Now, we feel a real opportunity is emerging for us.' Abdulla al Hosani, an Omani pharmacist currently working in a private healthcare facility, echoed the sentiment, stating: 'This is not just about replacing expats. It's about investing in local talent. We are well-trained and more than capable of leading the pharmacy sector forward.' Recent statistics from the Ministry of Higher Education reveal a growing number of pharmacy graduates from both local and international institutions. Yet employment rates among these graduates remain modest, particularly within private institutions, where cost considerations often lead to the hiring of lower-paid foreign workers. While the decision has been largely applauded, stakeholders agree that implementing Omanization requires parallel efforts to ensure that Omani pharmacists are fully equipped to take on their roles in the private sector. Kholood Al-Balushi, a trainee pharmacist, believes that readiness is key: 'As graduates, we must rise to the challenge. The job market is competitive, and we need to continuously improve our skills. Securing opportunities should be matched with personal development.' Some private pharmacy owners have also highlighted the importance of additional support measures, such as financial incentives or training programs to ensure a smooth transition. The Ministry of Health emphasized that the circular is part of a broader national vision under Oman Vision 2040 to create sustainable employment opportunities for is a carefully considered policy decision based on employment data and field studies. The ministry is committed to working closely with private healthcare providers to ensure that this transition is implemented effectively without compromising the quality of healthcare services. Experts believe this directive will contribute to a broader shift in private sector employment dynamics. With more Omanis entering the pharmacy field, patient communication and trust may improve due to shared language, cultural understanding, and stronger community bonds. Moreover, the decision may also encourage higher education institutions to enhance their pharmacy programs by aligning them more closely with the needs of the local job market. It is expected that government-led initiatives such as training subsidies, internship placements, and employer incentives will play a key role in supporting the Omanization process. Ultimately, the Omanization of the pharmacy profession signals a decisive step toward workforce sustainability in the healthcare sector. It not only offers a renewed sense of hope for hundreds of job-seeking graduates but also reaffirms the nation's long-term commitment to building a self-reliant healthcare system.
