Tests of students and other genetic diseases have been made mandatory for students at the admission of all schools, colleges and religious seminaries in Punjab.
The Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025 has been approved by the Punjab Assembly to prevent thalassemia and other genetic diseases.
According to the law, the Advisory Council will be formed, while ensuring timely diagnosis and management of diseases and reducing its medical and economic burden in the future.
The text states that at the time of admission to all schools, colleges and religious seminaries, students will have to test thalassemia and other genetic diseases and test reports will be required to submit the boards with admission form.
The text further states that the Punjab Information Technology Board will create a database of all test results, which will be penalized for sharing confidential information with unauthorized individuals. Laboratories will send test results to Pitb within 10 days. Private laboratories employees will be lodged under the Pakistan Penal Code for leaking fake results or data.
The text wrote that special registration and financial support for patients with NADRA is also expected soon and the government will arrange free testing for poor families.
In addition, after the test, students who are diagnosed with genetic diseases will also be given counseling. This law has been enforced immediately and will apply to all public and private institutions across Punjab.
The bill will be presented to the Governor Punjab for final approval.
