Testing for genetic diseases, including thalassemia, has been made mandatory for students before admission to educational institutions across Punjab, according to national media.
The Punjab Assembly has passed the Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025 to prevent genetic diseases. Under the act, it is now mandatory for students to undergo tests for thalassemia and other genetic diseases at the time of admission to educational institutions in Punjab.
According to the Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025, an advisory council will be formed under the law. Timely diagnosis and management of these diseases aim to reduce their future medical and economic burden.
The act further states that test reports must be submitted to the boards along with the admission forms. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) will create a database for all test reports.
As per the text, there will be penalties for sharing this confidential information with unauthorized persons. Laboratories will be required to send test reports to the PITB within 10 days. Employees of private laboratories who prepare fake reports will be prosecuted under the Pakistan Penal Code.
The text further mentions that arrangements for special registration of patients and financial assistance in collaboration with NADRA are expected soon. The government will also arrange free testing for poor families. The bill will be presented to the Governor of Punjab for final approval.
