Latest news with #HilalbinAlialSabti
Observer
03-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
New strategy to boost pharma investments
The Omani government has unveiled a new strategic policy aimed at attracting investments into the country's pharmaceutical sector, with the dual objective of strengthening drug security and reducing reliance on imports. Despite some recent gains, the gap between local pharmaceutical production and import dependency remains significant. As of end-December 2023, locally manufactured pharmaceuticals accounted for just 4.6% of total medicine purchases, with imports making up the remaining 95.4%. However, national production capacity has shown encouraging growth — from a mere 1.8% in 2021 to 4.7% in 2022. According to Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health (MoH), the new policy envisions the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities within economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities, in line with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Speaking to Duqm Economist, the newsletter of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), Dr Al Sabti said these zones offer a highly conducive environment, supported by advanced technical infrastructure, efficient regulatory frameworks, and integrated support services aligned with international standards. 'Industrial cities and special economic and free zones are attractive investment environments due to the financial incentives and regulatory facilitations they offer, including customs and tax exemptions. These advantages help lower production costs and enhance competitiveness,' he noted. Currently, eight pharmaceutical factories are operational in Oman: five fully integrated drug production facilities, two plants producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for human medicines, and one facility focused on secondary packaging as an initial step in the production chain. While these factories are spread across industrial cities and free zones, the majority are located within industrial cities, which offer more advanced infrastructure and integrated services — factors that contribute to improved manufacturing quality and faster market availability. 'Measures are in place to support pharmaceutical factories in obtaining international accreditations such as GMP and ISO. Oman has a clear vision to position itself as a regional hub for pharmaceutical exports, in line with Oman Vision 2040,' the Minister stated. Dr Al Sabti affirmed that the Ministry is actively encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector and promoting strategic partnerships with leading international pharmaceutical companies to facilitate technology transfer, localise production, and build domestic expertise. To this end, the Ministry is working to streamline registration and licensing procedures and is supporting public-private partnerships to foster an integrated and sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. The aim, he said, is to drive innovation and ensure the availability of high-quality, efficient medical products. A key element of the new strategy is the fast-tracking of registration processes for locally manufactured medicines, supported by technical assistance throughout the regulatory cycle and accelerated quality testing to ensure safety and compliance. 'Recognising the strategic importance of this sector for national health security and self-sufficiency, the Ministry has established a robust regulatory framework in line with global standards. Through the Drug Safety Centre, we provide continuous technical support to manufacturers during planning, implementation, and licensing phases to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements. Locally manufactured medicines are given priority in the registration and evaluation process,' Dr Al Sabti added. The Ministry also welcomed projections of strong growth in Oman's pharmaceutical sector, underpinned by a pipeline of strategic projects targeting local production of sterile medicines, oncology drugs, and vaccines — key therapeutic categories that are central to achieving national drug security.
Observer
30-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
Taafi Centre to offer services for addicts
Muscat, June 30 The Ministry of Health celebrated the inauguration of the Muscat Taafi Centre, the main specialised facility in Oman to provide treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from addiction, in the Wilayat of Al Amerat, under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat, and in the presence of Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, and Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. The centre is the first government institution in the Sultanate of Oman dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of addicts. It was established in collaboration with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Work, as part of a national vision to address the growing addiction issue and to provide comprehensive care in a safe and integrated environment. Dr Said bin Harib al Lamki, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, explained that the centre includes 170 beds — 40 for recovery and 130 for detoxification and medical and psychological rehabilitation. This reflects the scale of the project and the importance of its services. He pointed out that over 495 addiction cases were recorded in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for specialised centres like this one, which is designed to cover all stages of treatment: from detoxification to psychological rehabilitation, and finally to recovery and community support. Dr Al Lamki added that what distinguishes the centre is its integrative approach, bringing together the efforts of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Royal Oman Police to provide comprehensive treatment under one roof — addressing the previous gap in psychological and rehabilitative services, which were formerly scattered among Al Masarra Hospital and other institutions. Dr Yousuf bin Mohammed al Farsi, Director-General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate, noted that the centre goes beyond medical treatment. It follows modern methods based on psychological and social rehabilitation in an interactive environment that includes artistic and skill-building activities such as drawing, reading and writing, as well as a private library and creative spaces. Dr Mahmood bin Zaher al Abri, Secretary of the National Committee for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, stated that Oman records an average of 480 addiction cases annually, with 52 per cent of them concentrated in Muscat Governorate, followed by Al Batinah North and Al Batinah South. He noted a worrying rise in the abuse of "shabu" (methamphetamine) since the Covid-19 pandemic, which causes psychotic symptoms and violent behaviours that may lead to suicide attempts. He also mentioned plans to develop an electronic system to document cases and ensure confidentiality, along with follow-up programmes in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development. Aseela al Zaabi, Head of Muscat Taafi Centre, emphasised that the opening of the centre marks a qualitative leap in the provision of addiction treatment services in Oman. She pointed out that the services previously offered at Al Masarra Hospital have now been transferred to the new centre in Al Amerat, enhanced with more comprehensive and advanced facilities. It is worth noting that the total cost of the project amounted to RO 3.4 million — RO 2.5 million from PDO and RO 900,000 from Al Jisr Foundation. According to Dr Al Abri, the second phase of the centre will include an expansion to 300 beds, in addition to other centres under construction in Suhar and Dhofar. The opening of the centre represents a major step forward in building a comprehensive mental and physical health infrastructure in Oman and embodies an effective partnership between the public and private sectors to tackle one of the most serious health and social challenges of modern times.
Observer
19-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
Oman, Belarus sign MoU in healthcare
MINSK: The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Belarus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of healthcare on Wednesday in the Belarusian capital, Minsk. The MoU was signed by Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, and Alexander Khodjaev, Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus. The MoU includes cooperation in several medical fields, such as healthcare, education and staff training. It also involves holding joint events for professional development, exchanging views through consultation, preparing joint scientific research in the field of medicine, trading medicines, devices and equipment, exchanging training courses and hosting expert visits. - ONA
Observer
15-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
Health minister discusses investment opportunities
TUNIS: Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, discussed investment opportunities in the health sector in the Sultanate of Oman at a meeting with Tunisian businessmen in the capital, Tunis, on Sunday as part of his official visit to the Republic of Tunisia to participate in the Regional One Health Conference for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). During the meeting, the minister of health affirmed the Omani government's commitment to strengthening partnerships with investors, highlighting the facilities provided by the Sultanate of Oman to encourage investment in the health sector and address any challenges that may face investors. The health minister and his accompanying delegation toured the Saeed Pharmaceutical Industries (IPS) plant, where they viewed the production lines and the other facilities. The minister listened to a detailed explanation from the factory's management regarding the work mechanism, manufacturing quality and the technologies applied at the plant. The visit aimed at strengthening health cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Tunisia and exchanging expertise in the fields of pharmaceutical industries and health investment.
Observer
14-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
Oman reviews its 'One Health' implementation efforts
TUNIS: The Sultanate of Oman participated as the guest of honour at the One Health Regional Conference for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, hosted by the Republic of Tunisia. The Sultanate of Oman's delegation was headed by Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health. Dr Al Sabti delivered a speech in which he reviewed the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to implement the One Health approach. He pointed out that the conference constitutes a vital platform for exchanging experiences and best practices, enhancing collective efforts and strengthening regional and international cooperation to address health challenges according to an integrated and comprehensive approach that places human, animal and environmental health at the core of its concerns. He highlighted the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to implement the One Health approach. He explained that the Sultanate of Oman has established several national mechanisms to support the One Health approach, including the formation of national committees and sectoral teams to activate integration between sectors. Those include the National Committee for Integrated Disease Vector Management, the National Committee for Food Safety and Quality, the National Committee for the Hydrological Programme for Safe Water Resources, the National Committee for Climate Change and Ozone Layer Protection, the National Committee for the Sound Management of Chemicals and the Central Team for Improving Environmental Performance in coordination with the Environment Authority to ensure the safety of ecosystems and adaptation to climate change. 'The Sultanate of Oman has played a leading and distinguished role in international forums on the issue of antimicrobial resistance, highlighted by its organisation and hosting of the Third High-Level Global Ministerial Conference for the first time in the MENA region in Muscat in 2022. Besides, the Muscat Conference and the Muscat Final Statement, signed by 47 countries, marked the starting point for preparations for the United Nations High-Level Meeting to discuss the issue of antimicrobial resistance, held in New York on September 26, 2024," he said. 'Within the framework of our commitment to sustainability and the environment (climate change), we launched the Carbon Neutrality Project, which represents a strategic pillar for supporting environmental health by achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This project is a strategic step to support environmental health, improve air quality and reduce health risks resulting from climate change reflecting the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to the principles of One Health and the requirements of sustainable development.', he added. He emphasised that the Sultanate of Oman firmly believes that addressing global and regional health challenges requires concerted efforts and cooperation across all sectors to ensure human health, animal safety and environmental sustainability. This is essential for achieving sustainable development; and enhancing health and food security for our communities. — ONA
