The Central Public Health Laboratory, located in Seeb, Muscat, has successfully achieved a completion rate of 60% and is scheduled for a soft opening in the latter half of 2025. This facility, which spans an impressive 18,155 square meters, is being constructed at an estimated cost of 18.2 million Omani riyals. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies designed to facilitate advanced laboratory testing.
Dr. Hanan bint Salem Al Kindi, the Director of the Public Health Laboratories Department at the Ministry of Health, has shared that the laboratory's primary objective is to amalgamate existing reference public health laboratories into a unified entity. This consolidation is aimed at enhancing diagnostic capabilities and strengthening public health and health security.
The facility is structured with three floors, with the ground floor accommodating administrative offices, a lecture hall capable of seating 130 individuals, and a reception area for sample collection. It features two biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratories, specifically designed to manage high-risk microorganisms, alongside two level 2 laboratories dedicated to various disciplines such as virology, bacteriology, and toxicology.
Furthermore, the laboratory is poised to serve as a regional hub for a variety of health initiatives, including reference laboratories for diseases such as polio, measles, rubella, and SARS-CoV. It will also host specialized labs focused on tuberculosis, epidemiology, newborn screening, and environmental analysis.
The architectural design process was a collaborative effort involving engineering teams, the Ministry of Health, and experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This collaboration aimed to integrate the latest advancements in laboratory construction, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Al Kindi highlighted that the building is constructed with sustainability and environmental harmony in mind, utilizing high-quality materials to ensure durability and ease of maintenance. Additionally, the Ministry is in the process of implementing training programs to equip the national staff with the essential skills required for the effective operation of the facility.
Upon completion, the Central Public Health Laboratory is anticipated to significantly bolster healthcare capabilities within Oman and establish itself as a pivotal participant in regional and international public health cooperation efforts.
