Khasab – The Ministry of Health (MoH) inaugurated Oman’s first mobile unit for disinfecting hazardous materials at Khasab Hospital in Musandam Governorate on Thursday, as part of a national project to establish 11 units across the sultanate.

The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s readiness to respond to hazardous materials incidents and health and biological emergencies, minimise contamination risks, and protect healthcare workers, medical facilities and the surrounding environment.

The inauguration was held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Farsi, Governor of Musandam, in the presence of representatives of military and government authorities and healthcare professionals.

Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Busafi, Director of the National Centre for Emergency Management and Health Risks, said the project would be implemented in three phases. The first phase began with the manufacture and equipping of two units, assigned to Innovation Factory Company for Scientific Research and Development.

He said the initiative supports national capabilities by making use of local expertise in developing specialised healthcare equipment.

The mobile units are equipped with operating systems, power supplies, ventilation and air conditioning, enabling them to be deployed in the field to carry out decontamination procedures and limit the spread of hazardous substances. They can also be integrated into the equipment of the National Emergency Medical Team.

Each unit includes a control system, an electric generator, and drainage and air-conditioning systems to support both dry and wet decontamination procedures while prioritising the safety of healthcare workers, affected individuals and the environment.

The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Health through the National Centre for Emergency Management and Health Risks, in cooperation with the Directorate General of Projects and Engineering Services and Innovation Factory Company.

Responding to hazardous materials incidents involves a structured protocol, including assessing and sorting affected individuals, wearing personal protective equipment, removing contaminated clothing, washing and drying, and providing clean clothing before transferring patients to appropriate emergency or healthcare facilities.