Punjab Mandates Thalassaemia Test for Student Admissions
The Punjab government has made it mandatory for students seeking admission in educational institutions to undergo a thalassaemia test, in an effort to curb the spread of this inherited blood disorder. The initiative aims to identify carriers at an early stage and raise awareness among families about the risks of thalassaemia, which is highly prevalent in Pakistan.
Health officials stated that educational institutions across the province will now require prospective students to present their thalassaemia screening report at the time of admission. The measure is expected to encourage early diagnosis and play a crucial role in prevention, as marriages between two carriers significantly increase the chances of children being born with the disease.
Thalassaemia is a genetic condition that affects the production of hemoglobin, leading to severe anemia and lifelong dependence on blood transfusions. Pakistan has one of the highest rates of thalassaemia carriers in the world, with an estimated 5–7% of the population carrying the trait. Experts argue that prevention through screening and awareness is the most effective way to reduce the disease’s burden.
By linking testing with student admissions, the Punjab government hopes to normalize screening practices, promote healthier marriages, and ultimately decrease the number of children born with thalassaemia in future generations.
خلاصہ (اردو میں):
پنجاب حکومت نے تعلیمی اداروں میں داخلے کے لیے تھیلیسیمیا ٹیسٹ لازمی قرار دے دیا ہے۔ اس اقدام کا مقصد بیماری کی بروقت تشخیص اور آگاہی کو فروغ دینا ہے تاکہ آئندہ نسلوں میں اس موروثی مرض کے پھیلاؤ کو روکا جا سکے۔
