Opening more private vet clinics will improve animal care in Oman

Muscat: Encouraging more private veterinary clinics to open will mean there is better care available for animals, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has said.

“The ministry is encouraging and supporting the establishment of veterinary facilities by contributing to a wider umbrella to help provide veterinary services to breeders of, and investors in animals,” said the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in a statement.

At the start of 2022, there were 320 private veterinary facilities operating in Oman. These include 192 clinics, 124 pharmacies, and four laboratories.

“These facilities provide comprehensive treatment, diagnostic and laboratory services necessary for the livestock sector to ensure the safety and quality of animal products, and raise the economic value of the sector and the groups benefiting from it,” added the ministry.

There are 64 veterinary facilities each in North and South Al Batinah, 38 each in North Sharqiyah and Muscat, 31 in Dhofar, 23 each in Al Dakhiliyah and South Al Sharqiyah, 19 in Al Dhahirah, nine in Al Buraimi, seven in Al Wusta, and four in Musandam.

“The Ministry takes care of private veterinary facilities by providing services such as issuing and renewing licenses, supervising, inspecting, monitoring and preparing reports on their services,” added the ministry.