Implementation of Thalassemia control law in Sindh questioned

KARACHI: Najam Mirza, MPA of MQM-Pakistan in the Provincial Assembly of Sindh has submitted a resolution, demanding to strengthen the enforcement of the Sindh Prevention and Control of Thalassemia Act passed in 2013/2014.
In his resolution he highlights that despite existing legislation about thalassemia major births remain high due to weak implementation. It proposes key amendments and procedural additions to the marriage registration process to ensure mandatory premarital screening.

It is pertinent to mention here that over 9,500 thalassemia patients, mostly children, are registered in Sindh with treatment centres, and provincial efforts have begun to strengthen awareness, diagnostics, and screening services. � Despite this, births of children with thalassemia major remain high primarily due to weak implementation of premarital screening laws, cultural practices like consanguineous marriages, and limited public awareness of genetic risks.
Experts and health authorities emphasize that mandatory premarital screening linked to marriage registration and stronger enforcement of existing legislation are critical to reducing new cases and the long-term social and economic impact of the disease.