What do you know about premarital medical examinations?
Premarital medical examinations are among the most important preventive healthcare measures. These tests play a crucial role in avoiding genetic diseases that are common in our society.
Thalassemia is a genetic disease, and about 4% of the population carries the gene mutation. This is considered a high percentage, especially given that consanguineous marriages (marriages between relatives) account for around 70% of all marriages in Palestinian society.
In 2000, the Friends of Thalassemia Patients Association – Palestine began issuing certificates confirming the absence of the thalassemia trait for individuals about to marry, continuing until 2008.
In 2010, the Palestinian Ministry of Health adopted the test and made it available free of charge at its directorates.
The Supreme Judge’s Office also commended and approved the test.
Thanks to this program, along with increased public awareness, the number of new thalassemia cases at birth has decreased from 40 annually to almost zero.
What does the test reveal?
Premarital medical testing identifies carriers of the thalassemia trait and shows the expected likelihood of having a child with thalassemia based on the genetic makeup of both partners.
It is important to remember that carriers of the trait are healthy individuals.
Protect your children from thalassemia by undergoing premarital medical testing for both partners.
You can take the test free of charge at any Palestinian Ministry of Health directorate...
