Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said that the government is moving towards making thalassemia testing mandatory before marriage, while Pakistan’s first genetic policy will be introduced within a month.
Addressing a press conference on the genetic policy, the federal health minister said that Pakistan is set to become the world’s fourth most populous country by 2030. He added that due to economic challenges, it is not easy for any country to bear the growing burden of diseases, and if effective measures are not taken, Pakistan could become one of the leading countries in the spread of various diseases.
Mustafa Kamal said that the condition of hospitals across the country presents a picture of an epidemic-like situation, despite the absence of any specific epidemic. He stated that the health sector has now become a matter of national security and that the current system is focused on treating diseases, whereas attention should be directed toward disease prevention.
The federal minister said that the government wants to move towards a modern healthcare model and genome profiling so that hereditary and complex diseases can be diagnosed and prevented in a timely manner. Work is underway on a proposal to make thalassemia testing mandatory for both the bride and groom before marriage.
He stated that screening centers are being established across the country, while between Rs200 billion and Rs300 billion are spent annually on the diagnosis and treatment of genetic and hereditary diseases. Pakistan’s first comprehensive genetic policy will be introduced within the next month.
Mustafa Kamal further said that people currently spend hundreds of thousands of rupees on genetic tests conducted abroad. However, through the new policy, efforts will be made to make these facilities available within the country so that the public can receive better and more affordable healthcare services.
