Oman Launches First Mobile Hazardous‑Material Decontamination Unit in Musandam

The Ministry of Health inaugurated Oman’s first mobile unit for hazardous‑material decontamination at Khasab Hospital in Musandam Governorate. Musandam, located at the northern tip of Oman overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, serves as a strategic maritime gateway.

Launch of Oman’s First Mobile Decontamination Unit

The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Farsi, Wali of Khasab, with representatives from military and government entities and local medical personnel in attendance.

Phased Implementation and Local Manufacturing

Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Busaidi, Director of the National Centre for Health Emergency and Risk Management, said the project is structured in three execution phases. The initial phase covers the manufacturing and outfitting of two operational units entrusted to the local firm Innovation Factory for Scientific Research and Development, reinforcing national expertise in technical healthcare equipment manufacturing.

The mobile units are self‑contained and equipped with independent power generators, ventilation, air‑conditioning, control systems and specialised drainage to handle both wet and dry decontamination processes. Designed for field deployment and integration with the National Medical Emergency Team, these versatile units isolate toxic hazards and protect surrounding environments during chemical, biological or industrial incidents.

Operational Protocol and Collaborative Effort

Operational procedures for handling exposure cases follow an integrated medical protocol: first, triage and protection – immediate patient sorting while healthcare teams deploy personal protective equipment (PPE); second, decontamination – removal of contaminated clothing, followed by field washing, drying and provision of clean replacement clothing; third, medical transfer – safe transport of stabilised patients to emergency departments or designated medical facilities.

The project represents a joint effort by the National Centre for Health Emergency and Risk Management, the Directorate General of Projects and Engineering Services, and Innovation Factory. On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Hassan bin Issa Al Balushi delivered a technical lecture on hazardous materials management protocols, alongside a screening documenting the manufacturing phases of the unit.