Oman launches new strategy to expand domestic pharmaceutical sector
Policy aims to attract investments, boost local drug production, and position Sultanate as regional export hub
MUSCAT, Oman (MNTV) — Oman has unveiled a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen its pharmaceutical sector, with the dual goal of enhancing domestic drug security and decreasing the country’s dependence on imported medicines.
According to the Ministry of Health, locally produced pharmaceuticals accounted for just 4.6% of total medicine purchases in 2023, despite modest gains from 1.8% in 2021.
The new policy aims to significantly raise local production through targeted investments and regulatory reforms, according to Zawya News.
Health Minister Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti outlined the plan in an interview with Duqm Economist, the official publication of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ).
He stated that the government will encourage the development of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities within special economic zones, industrial cities, and free zones, in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
“These zones offer advanced infrastructure, streamlined regulations, and fiscal incentives, including customs and tax exemptions, making them ideal for attracting investment and lowering production costs,” Dr. Al Sabti said.
Currently, Oman hosts eight pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, including five fully integrated drug production plants, two active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) units, and one facility focused on secondary packaging.
Most of these are situated in industrial cities, which offer stronger infrastructure and faster market access.
The Ministry has implemented measures to support factories in obtaining international accreditations such as GMP and ISO certifications.
Dr. Al Sabti said Oman aims to emerge as a regional pharmaceutical export hub in line with its Vision 2040 development agenda.
To achieve this, the Ministry is actively promoting foreign direct investment and forging partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies to localize production and facilitate technology transfer.
Regulatory reforms are also being rolled out to accelerate the licensing and registration of locally manufactured medicines, backed by technical support throughout the production cycle.
A central feature of the strategy is fast-tracking the approval process for domestic medicines, with priority given to locally made products in the registration and evaluation system.
The Ministry also plans to streamline procedures through the Drug Safety Centre, which will offer end-to-end technical assistance to ensure regulatory compliance and product quality.
Looking ahead, Oman is banking on a pipeline of strategic pharmaceutical projects, including sterile drugs, oncology treatments, and vaccines — all considered vital to national health resilience and self-sufficiency.
Dr. Al Sabti emphasized that these initiatives are essential to fostering a sustainable, innovation-driven pharmaceutical industry capable of meeting both domestic and regional demand.
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