By Admin 
Medical test (premarital medical examination) has been made mandatory for all couples getting married in Oman from January 1, 2026. This decision has been implemented under Royal Decree No. 111/2025 issued by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. Now before finalizing the marriage contract, it is necessary for both the partners to pass this test, whether the marriage takes place inside or outside Oman. This rule will apply even if one partner is non-Omani. Now the question arises that which diseases will be examined in this test?
Why was this decision taken?
Oman’s Health Ministry has made this rule to improve the health of families and protect future generations from genetic diseases. Earlier this test was optional, which was running since 1999. At the same time, in 2025, only 42-43 percent people were getting it done, due to which this test was made mandatory. It is believed that now more and more couples will get this test done.
Which diseases are tested?
Under this new rule of Oman, mainly two types of investigations are done.
1. Hereditary Blood Disorders:
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Thalassemia
They are detected to be carriers of these diseases. If both the partners turn out to be carriers then this disease can be serious in the child. These diseases are very common in Oman and according to statistics, 9.5 percent of the population is affected by them.
2. Infectious Diseases
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
These diseases can spread from one partner to another or from mother to child. These diseases are detected early through testing, which makes treatment easier. These tests are done in primary healthcare centres. Upon completion of the test, couples receive a fitness certificate, which is necessary for the marriage contract. Couples’ reports are not shared with any third person. This means that privacy is taken full care of.
What do doctors and experts say?
According to Dr. Saeed bin Harib Al Lamki, Undersecretary at the Health Ministry of Oman, this decree is a very important step to strengthen public health and protect families. This will prevent genetic and infectious diseases from reaching future generations. At the same time, according to Dr. Raya bint Saeed Al Kammiani, head of the National Center for Women and Children’s Health in Oman, premarital screening prevents the spread of infectious diseases and reduces the risk of transmission of disease from mother to child. Early detection can lead to timely treatment and counseling.
Why is this rule very important?
Cousin marriage is quite common in Gulf countries like Oman. Due to this, genetic diseases spread more. Such tests are already mandatory in other Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. This rule has been in place in Saudi Arabia since 2004, where testing for sickle cell and thalassemia is the main thing. Genetic testing has been further expanded in the UAE from 2025, where 570 genes are tested, which are linked to more than 840 diseases.
Also read: These are the strangest diseases of the world, you will be shocked to hear the condition of those suffering from them.
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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