In Punjab, it has been made mandatory for all students to undergo screening for thalassemia and other genetic disorders at the time of admission to schools, colleges, and religious seminaries.
This requirement is part of the Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025, which has been passed by the Punjab Assembly to curb the spread of thalassemia and other hereditary diseases.
According to the new law, an advisory council will be established to oversee the timely diagnosis and management of genetic conditions. The goal is to reduce the long-term medical and economic burden associated with these diseases.
As per the act, all students seeking admission to educational institutions must undergo tests for thalassemia and other genetic disorders. The test reports will need to be submitted to the respective educational boards along with admission forms.
The law also mandates the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to maintain a secure database of all test results. Sharing of confidential data with unauthorized persons will be punishable. Laboratories are required to submit test results to PITB within 10 days. If private lab staff are found submitting fake results or leaking data, they will face legal action under the Pakistan Penal Code.
The legislation also outlines plans for special registration of patients with NADRA and provision of financial support. The government will offer free testing facilities for underprivileged families.
Additionally, students diagnosed with any genetic disorders will be provided with counseling services.
This law has been enforced immediately and will apply to all public and private educational institutions across Punjab.
The bill is now awaiting final approval from the Governor of Punjab.