The Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Thalassaemia Prevention Act 2025, making it mandatory for all students to undergo genetic disease testing — including for thalassaemia — at the time of admission to schools, colleges, and religious seminaries across the province.

According to the legislation, test reports must be submitted along with admission forms to the respective educational boards. The initiative aims to ensure early diagnosis of genetic conditions and reduce the long-term medical and financial burden on families and the healthcare system.

A centralized database will be established by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to store test reports. Laboratories conducting these tests will be required to submit results to PITB within 10 days. Strict confidentiality measures have been built into the law — unauthorized sharing of personal medical data will result in penalties, and any private lab employee found guilty of falsifying results will face action under the Pakistan Penal Code.

The Act also calls for the formation of an advisory council, which will oversee the implementation process, recommend genetic testing standards, approve laboratories, determine price caps for testing, and suggest issuance of special health cards for diagnosed patients.

For underprivileged families, the government has pledged to provide free genetic testing, and there are plans underway for special registration of patients with NADRA to streamline access to financial assistance. Students diagnosed with genetic conditions will also receive counseling and support as part of the new protocol.

“This law is a significant step towards tackling genetic disorders like thalassaemia through timely intervention and education,” said a spokesperson for the Punjab Health Department.

The bill is now set to be presented to the Punjab governor for final approval.