University of Nizwa and Ministry of Health Sign Agreement for Herbal Medicine Testing

The University of Nizwa and the Ministry of Health have signed a significant cooperation agreement to conduct laboratory testing on herbal medicines. This partnership will utilise the advanced laboratories of the Central Analytical Services Unit at the University.

The agreement was formalised by Prof. Ahmed Khalfan Al-Rawahi, University of Nizwa Chancellor, and His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Salem Al-Mandhari, Undersecretary for Health Planning and Organization, representing the Ministry of Health. The signing took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in Muscat.

This collaboration aims to enhance ties between academic institutions and health authorities while creating a modern scientific environment for testing herbal medicines. The goal is to ensure the quality and safety of these products in line with established standards and regulations, as well as to streamline the registration process for herbal remedies in Oman.

Under the terms of the agreement, the University of Nizwa will carry out necessary tests on herbal product samples submitted for registration by local agents. The University will also receive reference materials for the tests, following the analysis methods provided by the company. The Ministry of Health, for its part, will assess whether these herbal products meet all regulatory requirements and direct local agents to conduct the required tests at the University’s laboratories. Once the testing is complete, the Ministry will proceed with the registration process based on the results provided by the Central Analytical Services Unit.

This agreement marks a key step forward in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines in the Sultanate, reflecting a growing emphasis on scientific collaboration between educational and governmental institutions.