Oman makes premarital medical tests compulsory
In Oman, the Ministry of Health will start implementing mandatory premarital medical examinations for all Omanis wishing to get married starting January 1, 2026. This is in accordance with Royal Decree No. 111/2025 on the Regulation of Premarital Medical Examination, issued by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Completion of the examination will be a basic condition for concluding the marriage contract. Marriage officiants not allowed to conclude a contract unless both parties present a valid premarital medical examination certificate. Violators will be punished by imprisonment for a period of no less than ten days and not exceeding six months, and/or by a fine of up to 1,000 Omani Riyals, according to Khaleej Times.
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The Health Ministry of Oman explained that the examination’s purpose is to detect carriers of hereditary blood disorders—specifically sickle cell anemia and thalassemia—as well as infections included in the screening, namely hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. The Ministry stated that premarital medical examinations have been made compulsory as part of preventive measures to curb the spread of genetic, hereditary, and infectious diseases in society. Early detection helps reduce the birth of children with hereditary blood disorders, alleviates health, social, psychological, and financial burdens on families, reduces pressure on health institutions and blood banks, and prevents transmission of infectious diseases between spouses and from mother to fetus. It also enables affected individuals to access appropriate preventive and therapeutic options.
Why this move has been taken now?
The premarital screening in Oman has been optional in Oman since 1999 but the participation reached just 42 percent in 2025. This prompted the Ministry of Health to make it mandatory to strengthen family health and protect society from these diseases. The Ministry clarified that “mandatory” refers to the obligation to undergo the examination, without interfering in the couple’s decision to proceed with marriage, reports Times of Oman.
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Where are premarital screening services available?
Premarital screening services are available at primary healthcare facilities in Oman. Omani citizens may visit any government health institution, while tests can also be carried out at private healthcare centres accredited by the Ministry of Health. Couples are encouraged to undergo the screening well ahead of their marriage contract, as certain cases may require additional confirmatory tests.
A premarital medical examination completion certificate is issued only after all required tests and counselling sessions have been completed. The certificate is electronically integrated with the Supreme Judicial Council’s Notary Public platform, and a digital copy is shared with both individuals.
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The Ministry emphasised that all medical information is handled with strict confidentiality and is not disclosed to any third party. It expressed hope that couples would use the results to make informed decisions about their future families.
The Ministry also highlighted its year-long national awareness campaign, titled “Make the Start Right,” conducted in collaboration with government and private-sector partners. The initiative aimed to boost awareness and participation in the screening programme through a three-phase outreach strategy targeting prospective couples and their parents.
(With TOI inputs)