Muscat, April 25, 2025 —In a significant move to enhance the healthcare system, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued a Royal Decree to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for organ donation and transplantation in the Sultanate of Oman. The decree is expected to improve access to life-saving transplants and create a national system rooted in transparency, ethics, and medical excellence.
The decree introduces clear guidelines for organ and tissue donation, both from living and deceased donors, and establishes a centralized system to manage the donation process. It also sets up the National Organ Donation and Transplantation Authority (NODTA), a body responsible for overseeing, regulating, and coordinating organ donation activities across Oman.
Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, praised the Royal Decree, calling it a historic advancement for Oman’s healthcare sector.
“This decree marks a new era in healthcare,” said Dr. Al Sabti. “It provides a structured, transparent, and ethical system that will increase donation rates and reduce dependency on treatment abroad. It also reflects His Majesty’s commitment to building a resilient and self-reliant health system.”
The new legal framework outlines specific procedures for obtaining consent, prohibits the sale or trade of organs, and ensures that both donors and recipients are protected. Institutions involved in transplantation must now be licensed and regularly audited under national standards.
These safeguards aim to ensure that organ donation remains a voluntary and ethical act. The law also introduces penalties for violations, reinforcing zero tolerance for organ trafficking or exploitation.
Medical experts have welcomed the decree for providing much-needed legal clarity and accountability. “This will help protect patients and donors, and will encourage more people to come forward,” said Dr. Salma Al Riyami, a senior medical ethics advisor.
The decree also emphasizes respect for Islamic values and Omani culture. It encourages collaboration with scholars and religious leaders to raise awareness and promote understanding of organ donation as a life-saving act that aligns with Islamic teachings.
Sheikh Ahmed Al Kindi, from the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, noted, “Organ donation is permitted in Islam when done ethically and with consent. It is an act of mercy and generosity.”
To support the new system, the Ministry of Health will launch public awareness campaigns and make it easier for people to register as organ donors. A national donor registry will be developed and linked to digital platforms like Tarassud+, allowing individuals to declare their consent easily and securely.
Dr. Al Sabti highlighted the role of public participation: “Our goal is to build a culture where organ donation is understood and embraced. The support of our people is key to the success of this initiative.”
Organ failure is a major public health concern in Oman, with many patients on long waiting lists for kidneys, livers, and other organs. Until now, the lack of a formal donation system meant that many were forced to seek costly and complicated treatments abroad.
Doctors believe the new decree will change that. “With a regulated system and public support, we can perform more transplants locally and save more lives,” said Dr. Fahad Al Mahrouqi, a transplant surgeon at the Royal Hospital.
The Royal Decree brings Oman in line with international best practices and places the country among regional leaders in organ donation reform. The newly established authority will now begin implementing the system, training healthcare providers, and building partnerships to ensure success.
As Oman moves forward with these reforms, the hope is that more lives can be saved through increased awareness, greater participation, and a strong foundation rooted in ethics and compassion.
