Healthy approach: Laws on thalassaemia, mental health

The MPAs also passed a law on the treatment and care of mentally challenged people.


Our Correspondent September 19, 2013
The MPAs also passed a law on the treatment and care of mentally challenged people. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI:


Every couple about to be married will now have to undergo a blood test for thalassaemia before their nuptials, according to a law passed in the Sindh Assembly on Thursday.


The salient features of the bill stated that the government will arrange and approve the dissemination of objectives and educational materials on thalassaemia and publish such instructions and guidelines which will be distributed at colleges and schools. “Government will set up a system of genetic counseling and diagnostic facilities for the citizens in order to encourage them to take the counseling and blood test to diagnose thalassaemia,” said Sindh Law Minister Dr Sikander Mandhro.

The MPAs also passed a law on the treatment and care of mentally challenged people. A mental health authority will be constituted to develop and establish new standards for care and treatment of such patients. The members will include a retired Sindh High Court judge, health secretary, DG health, six eminent psychiatrists, medical superintendents of teaching hospital and others.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20th, 2013.

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