New law requires thalassemia screening for students in Punjab

(Web Desk): In Punjab, it has been made mandatory for students to undergo tests for thalassemia and other genetic disorders at the time of admission in all schools, colleges, and religious seminaries.

The Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025 has been passed by the Punjab Assembly to prevent thalassemia and other genetic diseases.

According to the law, an advisory council will be formed, and the aim is to ensure timely diagnosis and management of these conditions, as well as to reduce the future medical and economic burden associated with them.

The law states that students applying for admission in any educational or religious institution must undergo screening for thalassemia and other genetic diseases. The test reports will be submitted to the relevant boards along with the admission forms.

The law further mentions that the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) will create a centralized database for all test results. Strict penalties will apply if confidential data is shared with unauthorized individuals. Laboratories must send test results to PITB within 10 days. Employees of private labs who produce fake reports or leak data will be prosecuted under the Pakistan Penal Code.

The arrangements are expected soon for the special registration and financial support of patients through NADRA, and the government will provide free testing for families with limited income.

Additionally, students diagnosed with any genetic disorder will receive proper counseling after the test. The law takes immediate effect and is applicable to all public and private institutions across Punjab.

The bill will now be presented to the Governor of Punjab for final approval.