LAHORE: The Punjab Government has made screening for thalassemia and other genetic disorders mandatory for children’s at the time of taking admission in educational institutes and madrassah across the province, according to media reports.
The Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025 to stop the spread of thalassemia and other genetically transmitted diseases.
The Provisional government will establish an advisory council to look after the timely diagnosis and management of hereditary diseases. This aims to curb the medical and economic burden associated with the diseases.
All the students seeking admission in educational institutes have to undergo tests for thalassemia and other genetic disorders. The report will be submitted to the respective educational boards along with admission forms as per the Act.
The regulation also requires the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to keep a secure database of all tests. Sharing private information with unauthorized individuals will be penalized.
Laboratories must send test findings to PITB within 10 days. If private labs are caught providing false findings or leaking data, they will risk legal prosecution under Pakistan’s Penal Code.
The Act also includes provisions for specific registration of patients with NADRA and financial assistance. The government would provide free testing facilities to poor students.
The bill is now awaiting final approval from the Governor of Punjab. This law has been enforced immediately and will apply to all public and private educational institutions across Punjab.
