In a strategic move that strengthens the national health security and enhances Oman's position as a growing regional hub for vital industries, Izz Pharma factory was officially opened today (Wednesday) in Nizwa.
The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance, and attended by H.E. Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, along with a number of dignitaries and officials.
The launch of this industrial landmark in Dakhiliyah Governorate represents a qualitative leap in the national production landscape. The factory operates using the latest global technologies in its production lines and quality control laboratories, helping to meet the needs of the local market for drugs and medical preparations with quality that matches international standards, while also playing a role in reducing the international import bill.
As part of the inauguration program, Seif Al Ehsani, CEO of Izz Pharma, delivered a speech explaining that the idea for the factory was born during an exceptional global period following the COVID-19 pandemic. That crisis, he noted, proved that health security is no longer a secondary option but a national imperative that cannot be postponed.
Al Ehsani emphasized that the factory embodies an ambitious national resolve to build an integrated pharmaceutical system that enhances self-sufficiency, supports supply chains, and contributes to protecting human health in the Sultanate of Oman.
For her part, Balqees Al-Makhmari, MOH’s Director of Investment Enablement, noted that indicators show there are currently twenty operational pharmaceutical and medical factories producing over two thousand locally made products, alongside eighteen more factories under construction. This, she said, demonstrates growing confidence in the sector and a clear direction toward maximizing added value for the national economy.
Al- Makhmari added that Omani medical industries have begun expanding their international presence, exporting to more than 32 countries. This enhances Oman’s position as a promising hub for medical industries and confirms its ambition to become a manufacturing and exporting nation.
She stressed that developing the medical supply system is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the sustainability of health services. This is achieved through improved planning, strengthened centralized procurement, and the application of best practices in inventory management and spending efficiency.
"Izz Pharma" serves as a comprehensive model of national investment, not only in terms of its advanced production capabilities but also as an incubator for innovation and an enabler of young Omani talent. These national cadres are leading a pivotal phase toward achieving international self-sufficiency, thereby enhancing the resilience of the health sector in the face of global changes.
The industrial edifice in Nizwa spans a total area of approximately 200,000 square meters and has been designed to mark a qualitative transformation in local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Equipped with the latest global technologies and modern production lines, the factory has an annual production capacity of over 18 million units. This strategic capacity aims to efficiently cover Oman’s needs, with future plans for expansion into regional and international markets.
The project represents a significant step toward achieving self-sufficiency in a number of vital pharmaceutical products, most notably intravenous (IV) fluids. The factory is expected to cover a large percentage of the health sector's needs in the country in the coming phase, thereby reducing reliance on imports and ensuring the sustainability of medical supply chains under both normal circumstances and emergencies.
Driven by a firm belief in the role of human resources in driving development, Izz Pharma directly contributes to creating quality job opportunities for Omani professionals. It also works to attract and train national cadres in specialized fields, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, technical operations, and management, ensuring young Omani leadership for this vital sector and supporting Omanization goals in high-precision industries.
The inauguration of this factory aligns with the Sultanate of Oman’s strategic directions, combining economic diversification with human resource empowerment in pursuit of the ultimate goal of achieving pharmaceutical sovereignty. With production now underway, "Izz Pharma" affirms that the Omani product has become a hallmark of quality and reliability, capable of competing according to the highest international medical standards.
