Muscat – The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday launched a Unified National Guide for Performance Indicators in Diagnostic Laboratories, alongside a specialised training programme aimed at standardising quality benchmarks and strengthening the efficiency of medical laboratory services across Oman.

Introduced by the Department of Health Services Development, the guide establishes a unified framework for measuring laboratory performance and improving the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of diagnostic testing.

The launch ceremony, held at the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Sciences, was presided over by Dr Badriya Mohsin Al Rashdi, Director General of Health Services and Programmes. She said the initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to unified operational standards and supports the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by enhancing the quality of healthcare services for citizens and residents.

The guide sets out key technical and administrative indicators, including sample rejection rates, laboratory test turnaround times, diagnostic error monitoring and equipment utilisation, while reinforcing total quality management and continuous improvement practices.

Around 70 healthcare leaders and specialists attended the launch, including officials from the Ministry of Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and the Medical City for Military and Security Services.

The launch is accompanied by a three-day training programme designed to equip laboratory professionals with the skills needed to implement the new indicators and integrate them with the Shifa electronic system. The digital linkage is expected to automate performance monitoring, improve reporting accuracy and enable faster identification of operational issues.

The first session, attended by 25 quality officers from hospital laboratories, focused on introducing the guide and applying performance indicators in clinical chemistry. Subsequent sessions at the Royal Hospital will combine theoretical instruction with practical exercises on calculating and electronically monitoring laboratory performance.

Officials said the programme aims to harmonise evaluation standards nationwide, optimise resource use and deliver faster, higher-quality diagnostic services across the sultanate.