World Metrology Day to focus on efficacy of measuring devices in healthcare

The Sultanate, represented by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP), is set to celebrate the World Metrology Day 2021 on the theme, ‘Measurement for Health)’ on May 20.

The theme of this year’s celebrations was chosen to create awareness of the important role that metrology play in health.

Commenting on this event, Eng Majid bin Nasser al Senawi (pictured), Head of the Metrological Control Department in the Directorate-general for Standards and Metrology, said the annual event commemorates the signing of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875, which had set the framework for the modern science of measurement.

The convention has also contributed to streamlining measurement standards globally, and the abolition of many units of measurement that were used randomly across the world.

He added that, the Sultanate joined the Metre Convention in accordance with the Royal Decree 17/2013, which promulgated the Measurement and Calibration Law stipulating that the unit of measurement in the Sultanate shall be in accordance with the metric system.

Eng Al Senawi pointed out that the slogan ‘Measurement for Health’ aims at enhancing the awareness of the important role that measurement plays for health, and thus in the well-being of the individual and society, while the medical measuring devices which are used to diagnose patients for measuring temperature, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar level and weight, as well as radiology and other medical measuring devices used in hospitals and health centres. These must be verified for accuracy and functionality to help guarantee proper diagnose.

In coordination with the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion aims to upgrade the metrology infrastructure in the Sultanate and endorse new measurement techniques so as to assure the reliability and credibility of measurements.

To this end, it has continued to examine and test weighing and measuring devices such as medical measuring devices, water and electricity meters, fuel pumps, pre-packaged products, commercial and jewellers scales and other devices which concern the health and safety of the consumers.

Measurement for Health’ aims at enhancing the awareness of the important role that measurement plays for health, and thus in the well-being of the individual and society