Federal Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal, has said that the government is planning to make thalassemia screening mandatory before marriage, according to reports on Thursday.
The minister further added that the test should be compulsory for the groom rather than the bride.
Speaking at a press conference on the Genome Policy, the minister said that healthcare in Pakistan is no longer just a health issue but has become a matter of national security.
Pakistans first ever Genome Policy
He announced that the country’s first-ever Genome Policy will be introduced within one month. Under this policy, the focus will shift from treating diseases to preventing them in advance.
Mustafa Kamal said that people in Pakistan currently spend large amounts of money on genome testing abroad. He also stressed that the need for modern genome testing laboratories within the country.
Kamal further said that the government is planning to make thalassemia testing legally mandatory before marriage as part of efforts to reduce serious diseases. He emphasised that the test should be required for both men and women, but especially for men.
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The health minister also expressed concern over the growing burden of diseases and the condition of hospitals in the country.
He said that Pakistan is expected to become the fourth most populous country by 2030. He further added that no country can handle such a heavy disease burden in a weak economic situation.
The minister further added that although no new epidemic has emerged, hospitals are still overcrowded and the healthcare system is under severe pressure.
He said that the current system has become a “disease treatment system” instead of a proper healthcare system.
Mustafa Kamal further said that Pakistan spends around 200 to 300 billion rupees annually on treating serious diseases, while the health budget continues to face cuts.
He expressed determination that, despite financial challenges and limited resources, the government will improve the healthcare system at all costs.
