Move to help reduce high incidence of blood disorders

The Municipal Council of Muscat Governorate held its fourth meeting of the first year during which it reviewed the execution of projects such as the Port Sultan Qaboos water front in Muttrah, Madinat Al Irfan in Seeb and the joint projects such as the development of Ras Al Had and Saraya Bandar Jissah projects, Millennium Resort in Mussanah and Ras Al Jinz nature reserve.

The meeting was headed by Mohsin bin Mohammed al Shaikh, Chairman of Muscat Municipality and Municipal Council and attended by representatives of Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran).

The meeting approved the minutes of the previous meeting which included the Municipal Council’s action programme for 2017. It also ratified the recommendations of the health, environment and social affairs committee regarding reviewing the executive regulation of the Children’s Law, the issue of inherited hematological disorders.

Citing the high incidence of blood disorders in the Sultanate, the Council also initiated moves to make pre-marital screening mandatory especially in cases where consanguinity is an issue.

According to a high level official, the Ministry of Health records show that 75 per cent of patients visiting healthcare institutions in the Sultanate have blood disorders. “We have discussed the issue with the Ministry of Health and have come out with a proposal to make medical checks compulsory prior to marriage,” said Salim al Ghammari, Muscat Municipal Council member.

Speaking to the Observer, Al Ghammari added that the move will help reduce the incidence of blood disorders in the Sultanate and enhance awareness of this medical phenomenon among the general public.

The three main inherited disorders in Oman include Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassaemia, and G6PD. Marriages between blood relatives is generally ascribed as the main factor behind this trend – a reason why screening should be made mandatory, say experts.

Although a large percentage of Omanis are aware of the fact that such disorders are caused by consanguineous marriages, many shy away from screening to avoid embarrassment or shame.

Pre-marital screening is among a number of medical tests advised for couples seeking to get married.

It is highly encouraged for those seeking to understand any hereditary diseases that may be passed on to their progeny.

Around 10 per cent of Oman’s population is at risk of contracting inherited blood disorders, forming a heavy burden on health services in the country.

According to the Haematology Department at Sultan Qaboos University, the importance of awareness campaigns and education about the prevailing blood disorders in Oman as well as having early premarital tests is indispensable.

It’s a big challenge for the country as 60 per cent of a population of 2.5 million, carries at least one type of genetic blood disorder.

Around RO 45 million was spent on treating blood disorders in 2014.