Sohar Port signs pact with MoH to equip PCR lab

Muscat – Sohar Port and Freezone has entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Health (MoH), together with the support of six of its tenants, to equip a regional molecular PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) laboratory in North Batinah.

The laboratory is set to be operational by Q1 2021. The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday at Sohar Port and Freezone administration building. The agreement was signed by Omar bin Mahmood al Mahrizi, CEO Sohar Freezone - DCEO Sohar Port, and Sultan Saif al Sadi, director general of Health Services in North Batinah governorate.

The MoU signing is in line with the framework of improving healthcare services provided to citizens in North Batinah, South Batinah, Musandam, Dhahirah and Buraimi governorates.

The new laboratory will act as an alternative to Central Public Health Laboratories of MoH in the case of emergencies. It comprises a highly-qualified technical team of 12 employees to meet the expected testing demands.

The PCR laboratory is a joint CSR project, in coordination with existing tenants at Sohar Port, who will collectively support the development of the project. The tenants include OQ, Oiltanking Terminals, Sohar Power Company, C Steinweg Oman, Majis Industrial Services and Sohar International Urea and Chemical Industries.

Mohsin al Jabri, executive manager of Corporate Affairs at Sohar Port and Freezone, said, “The current situation has created the need for entities across all sectors to join hands towards enhancing healthcare services, while simultaneously preventing and controlling sources of the infection as much as possible. This is possible by reinforcing the health system through the utilisation of modern and advanced technology, which has led to the development of this facility.”

Sadi said, “Due to the spread of epidemic disease in North Batinah and the high demand for testing facilities there has arisen a need for developing a laboratory for infections and epidemiological diseases. I extend my gratitude to Sohar Port and Freezone and its partners.”