Pharmacists must be Omanis

Observer

5 days ago

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 Omanis.This 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.