Thursday 01 / January / 2026
Muscat:The Ministry of Health will begin implementing mandatory premarital medical examinations for all Omanis wishing to marry, in accordance with Royal Decree No. 111/2025, starting January 1, 2026.
The requirement applies even if one of the parties is non-Omani and whether the marriage takes place inside or outside the Sultanate. Completion of the examination will be a basic condition for concluding the marriage contract.
The Ministry explained that the examination aims 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 decision is part of preventive measures to limit 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.
The Ministry noted that premarital screening has been optional since 1999, but participation reached only 42 percent in 2025, prompting the move to make it mandatory to strengthen family health and protect society from these diseases.
It clarified that “mandatory” refers to the obligation to undergo the examination, without interfering in the couple’s decision to proceed with marriage. The objective is to ensure that both parties are fully informed about potential health implications for themselves and their future children. The examination includes laboratory tests and medical counseling based on the results.
Premarital screening services are available at primary healthcare institutions. Omanis may attend any government health facility, while examinations may also be conducted at private health institutions accredited by the Ministry of Health. Couples are advised to complete the examination well in advance of the marriage contract, as some cases require additional confirmatory tests.
A premarital medical examination completion certificate will be issued only after all procedures and counseling are completed. The certificate will be electronically linked to the Supreme Judicial Council’s Notary Public platform, with an electronic copy sent to both parties.
The Ministry affirmed that all medical information is treated with strict confidentiality and is not shared with any other party, expressing hope that couples will use the information to make informed decisions for their future families.
The Ministry also highlighted its year-long national awareness campaign, “Make the Start Right,” implemented in cooperation with government and private entities. The campaign aimed to raise awareness and increase participation in the screening program through a three-phase approach targeting couples planning to marry and their parents.
