Thalassemia and other genetic disorder tests have been made mandatory for students seeking admission to schools, colleges, and religious seminaries in Punjab.
The requirement is part of the newly passed Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025, aimed at curbing the spread of hereditary diseases.
According to the law, all students applying for admission must undergo testing for thalassemia and other genetic disorders, and submit the test reports with their admission forms to the relevant educational boards. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is mandated to maintain a secure database of all test results.
Laboratories are required to submit these results to the PITB within ten days.
A warning has also been issued that any private laboratory found submitting fake results will face legal action under the Pakistan Penal Code.
Teachers' associations have welcomed the initiative.
Leaders Muhammad Shafiq Bhalowalia and Basharat Iqbal Raja have suggested expanding the health screenings to include annual checks for vision, vaccination, and physical and mental development for all students enrolled in schools.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ