Thalassemia, hepatitis: Govt responds to petition seeking pre-marital tests

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Friday submitted its response to the Peshawar High Court (PHC) regarding a petition calling for pre-marital blood tests for thalassemia, hepatitis and HIV.

The petition, filed by Advocate Mohammad Nasir Ghilzai, named several government departments as respondents, including the chief secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Law secretary, the secretary Local Government, the Health Department, the Religious Affairs Department, the Directorate of Social Welfare, and others.

In his petition, Advocate Ghilzai, who also serves as the inter-provincial coordinator for the Association of International Lawyers, emphasized the importance of conducting essential blood tests before marriage to prevent the spread of these diseases.

He argued that such tests were crucial for protecting future generations from diseases like thalassemia, hepatitis, and HIV. He also highlighted the significant financial burden on families and the healthcare system caused by the treatment of these conditions.

He urged that these health checks should be included in the nikahnamas as a preventive measure.In response, the secretary Local Government Department submitted official written comments to the court.

According to these comments, the provincial government had already passed legislation making thalassemia and other health tests mandatory before marriage.The written response noted that efforts were underway to raise awareness among marriage registrars, officials, and the public about the necessity of pre-marriage health tests.