Thalassemia Test Declared Mandatory for Admission in Educational Institutes and Religious Seminaries
All students in Punjab are required to be screened for thalassemia and other genetic abnormalities before they are admitted to educational institutions, including religious seminaries and colleges.
The Punjab Assembly approved the Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025, which includes this provision, in an effort to stop the spread of thalassemia and other genetic illnesses.
The new law calls for the creation of an advisory board to supervise the prompt detection and treatment of genetic disorders. Reducing the long-term financial and medical impact of chronic illnesses is the aim.
All applicants for admission to educational institutions are required by the statute to be tested for thalassemia and other genetic abnormalities. Together with the admission applications, the test results must be turned in to the appropriate educational boards.
The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is also required by law to keep a safe database of all exam results. It will be illegal to share private information with unapproved parties. Test findings must be sent to PITB by laboratories within ten days. Private lab employees will be subject to legal punishment under the Pakistan Penal Code if they are discovered to be submitting fictitious findings or disclosing data.
Plans for patient special registration with NADRA and financial assistance are also outlined in the Act. The government will provide impoverished families with free testing facilities.
Counseling services will also be offered to students who have been diagnosed with any genetic illnesses.
All public and private educational institutions in Punjab are subject to this law, which went into effect right away.
The Punjab Governor’s final approval of the measure is now pending.
