Tuesday, September 01, 2026

Oman News

4,830 patients benefit as Oman’s genetic health center advances new services

The National Center for Genetic Health has announced a series of groundbreaking achievements, cementing its role as Oman’s leading institution for clinical genetic services and advanced genomic diagnostics.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Muscat: Last year alone, the center served 4,830 patients, while expanding its scope with new national programs, specialized clinics, and pioneering research initiatives.

The center, staffed by a highly qualified national team of specialists, provides comprehensive genetic services ranging from diagnostic evaluations and genetic counseling to advanced laboratory testing. Its specialized clinics cover fields such as clinical genetics, biochemical genetics, preimplantation diagnosis, developmental pediatrics, and child psychology.

Among the most notable achievements is the launch of the National Newborn Screening Program (NBS), which has already tested over 6,000 newborns in Muscat, identifying and treating more than 180 positive cases. The program currently screens for 23 treatable genetic and metabolic disorders, significantly reducing long-term disabilities and improving health outcomes.

The center has also established a tissue matching and immunogenetic (HLA) laboratory to support Oman’s national organ transplant program. Since its launch in February 2025, the lab has performed more than 200 transplant compatibility tests, helping improve outcomes in kidney, liver, and heart transplants.

Cutting-edge diagnostic advancements include new molecular tests for rare disorders, improved PCR applications, and the localization of Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) to build a comprehensive national genetic database. The center has also opened a Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Clinic in Salalah, ensuring patients in Dhofar receive specialized care closer to home.

Beyond diagnostics, the center plays a vital role in education and research. Accredited as a training hub, it trains more than 175 medical students and residents annually, while contributing pioneering studies on muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathies, fetal abnormalities, and hereditary diseases, helping place Oman on the regional map for genomic research.

Close