Mandatory Thalassemia Testing for Punjab Students

Prospective students applying to educational institutions across Punjab, including schools, colleges, and religious seminaries, will now be required to undergo mandatory screening for thalassemia and various other genetic disorders.

This action is part of the Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025, which was approved by the Punjab Assembly and encompasses all educational institutions, both public and private.

Beta Thalassemia is the most prevalent genetic condition in the nation, with a gene prevalence rate approximated at 6%. This indicates that roughly 6 out of every 100 individuals in Pakistan are carriers of this particular mutant gene.

Given a population exceeding 220 million, approximately 13.2 million individuals are healthy carriers of the defective beta thalassemia gene. The cultural practice of marriages within families in Pakistan has contributed to a rise in the number of children affected by thalassemia, rendering it a substantial concern for public health.

According to the new legal framework, students must provide medical test results together with their admission applications. The legislation is intended to reduce the transmission of inherited disorders through prompt identification and increased public knowledge.

The act also guarantees stringent privacy, with consequences imposed for divulging a student’s health information without consent.

Moreover, the government will also offer complimentary testing resources to students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, while those identified as having a condition will gain access to counseling programs.

The proposed legislation will be submitted to the Governor of Punjab for ultimate endorsement prior to its complete implementation.

Earlier, on April 13, Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that Iran, along with other Muslim nations, has implemented lasting strategies concerning this matter. He added, “We must execute an impactful initiative to avert thalassemia within the community.”

He further mentioned that the Punjab government is undertaking every feasible measure to elevate the standard of medical instruction. A thriving society is founded upon the principles of education and well-being. The government bears the fundamental obligation of ensuring optimal healthcare amenities for its populace.