To curb thalassaemia Health minister backs mandatory pre-marriage screening

ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has strongly backed proposed law requiring pre-marital blood screening to prevent thalassemia. Under this legislation, grooms would be required to undergo blood tests, and if they test positive, their brides-to-be would also be screened to determine the risk of passing the disease to their offspring.

Speaking at the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, the minister stressed the urgent need for such a law in Islamabad’s federal jurisdiction, pledging full support from the health ministry. “If we approve this law, we can save countless children from being born with this devastating disease,” Kamal stated. He agreed with the bill’s proponent, MNA Sharmila Faruqui, that both partners should undergo testing, starting with the groom. If the groom is found to be a thalassemia carrier, the bride must also be tested.

The bill, initially moved by MNA Shaista Pervaiz, is aimed at curbing the rising cases of thalassemia by ensuring that couples are aware of their genetic risks before marriage. Committee Chairman Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani directed that the bill’s draft should be submitted to the committee and the Ministry of Law before the next session.

Beyond the thalassemia bill, the committee meeting covered multiple critical health issues, including an inquiry into alleged misconduct by the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PN&MC). Several committee members voiced frustration over the Council’s leadership, with MNA Agha Rafiullah claiming that he faced false accusations and threats after raising concerns about PN&MC’s operations. “The PN&MC has turned Parliament into a joke,” members remarked, alleging that the Council had approved illegal nursing colleges and misused its authority. MNA Aliya Kamran stated that lawmakers who questioned the Council’s leadership were subjected to intimidation, including threatening phone calls.

The federal health minister assured the committee that he would personally investigate the matter. “I may be new to this position, but I apologize to all committee members for the misconduct they have faced. I will ensure that the truth is uncovered,” he said. He also acknowledged the shortage of nearly 900,000 nurses in Pakistan, emphasizing that the country’s nursing education must be free from corruption and inefficiency. The controversy surrounding the Nursing Council escalated when it was revealed that the Council’s president had obtained a degree from a foreign institution unrecognized by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC). The minister confirmed that the Ministry of Health had contacted HEC for verification and received written confirmation that the degree was not valid. “I will not stay silent on this matter. Legal action will be pursued,” Kamal asserted.

The meeting also addressed grievances from doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), who had approached the Senate’s Standing Committee against their Executive Director. Secretary Nadeem Mehboob reported that an inquiry was conducted, but the doctors disputed its findings. The committee demanded explanations for why disciplinary action had not been taken.

Other issues raised included the regulation of private medical colleges, particularly their high fees and restricted exam attempts for students taking the National Registration Examination (NRE). The committee urged the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to submit its recommendations on these issues in the next meeting.

Additionally, the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) briefed the committee on the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, particularly among younger populations. Members discussed imposing taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy food while introducing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels. The health ministry was instructed to collaborate with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Ministry of Science and Technology to draft a policy on these measures.