Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) on Thursday inaugurated the first veterinary hospital in Oman affiliated with an academic institution, at A’Sharqiyah University (ASU), in celebration of World Veterinary Day.

H E Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources presided over the inauguration ceremony in Ibra. The state-of-the-art facility marks a milestone in veterinary education and healthcare in the sultanate.

The hospital aims to raise public awareness, improve animal health, and enhance collaboration between academic and scientific institutions through the exchange of expertise and information.

A’Sharqiyah University is the first university in Oman to introduce veterinary medicine as a specialisation, with the first batch of students expected to graduate in the 2025/2026 academic year.

Equipped with advanced medical laboratories, diagnostic and treatment rooms, surgical theatres for both routine and complex procedures, as well as educational and therapeutic pens, the hospital has already begun receiving cases and performing microsurgical operations. It also serves as a training hub for veterinary students, providing a comprehensive learning environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Mashikhi, Director General of Agricultural and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, highlighted the ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen the sector.

He said over 2.4mn livestock have been vaccinated, benefiting more than 192,000 breeders, while early field surveys are being conducted to detect poultry diseases and protect national investments and exports.

He noted that the Central Animal Health Laboratory has been upgraded under international twinning programmes, ensuring accurate diagnostics and robust health controls at border crossings. The ministry currently operates 69 government veterinary clinics, 41 mobile units, and oversees 477 licensed private veterinary facilities.

Additionally, 486 licences for veterinary professionals and 14 for auxiliary staff have been issued or renewed after thorough academic and field evaluation.