Leading health experts in Pakistan have proposed making pre-marital blood screening mandatory in the Nikah Nama to help prevent the spread of Thalassemia across the country.
The recommendation was presented during the National Thalassemia Conference organized by Omair Sana Foundation, where doctors, lawmakers, and health professionals discussed strategies to tackle the disease.
Key Proposal
Dr. Saqib Ansari stressed that compulsory blood screening before marriage could significantly reduce the number of children born with thalassemia.
He noted that countries such as Italy had successfully controlled the disease through preventive screening programs.
Pakistan’s Thalassemia Burden
Health experts said Pakistan continues to face a major challenge, with an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 children born with thalassemia every year.
During the conference, specialists highlighted the importance of:
- Early diagnosis
- Public awareness campaigns
- Regular blood donations
- Stronger legislation
- Rural access to CBC and blood screening tests
Calls for Awareness and Legislation
Senator Rubina Qaimkhani urged educational institutions and media organizations to spread awareness about the disease and its prevention.
Sindh Assembly member Farhan Farooq demanded effective legislation and strict implementation of mandatory blood screening before marriage, especially in rural areas.
Sindh Government Initiatives
Sindh Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said awareness regarding thalassemia had improved in recent years and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating the disease.
He added that thalassemia centers had been established alongside NADRA offices in Karachi as part of broader healthcare initiatives.
The conference also marked the launch of a book presenting a national strategy for eliminating thalassemia in Pakistan.
