In UAE, genetic testing will be required before marriage. What is premarital genetic testing and why is it very important?

This rule will be implemented from October 1, 2024. The government has termed this decision as an attempt to keep the coming generations healthy.

Premarital genetic testing will now be mandatory in the UAE

The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a big step to reduce the unnecessary burden of genetic diseases in the country. According to the decision of the Health Department, premarital genetic testing has been made mandatory in Abu Dhabi. Under this, it will be necessary for both boys and girls to undergo genetic testing before marriage across the country. This rule will be implemented from October 1, 2024. The government has termed this decision as an attempt to keep the future generations healthy.

Premarital genetic testing is already mandatory in many countries

Genetic testing will be done at 22 centers in Abu Dhabi. These will include tests for 570 genes and 840 hereditary problems. Even before the UAE, many countries of the world have made genetic testing mandatory for couples before marriage since the 1970s. Cyprus made this test mandatory in 1973, Italy and Greece in 1975, Turkey in 1995, Iran in 1997, Jordan and Saudi Arabia in 2004 and Bahrain in 2005. Let us know what is premarital genetic testing? What tests are done under this and what are the benefits of adopting it?

What is premarital genetic testing? Why do we get it done?

Premarital genetic testing is a medical testing process. This test will make the boy and girl aware of future family planning and planning for children before marriage. It will also help in assessing the risk of genetic diseases in the future children and making necessary preparations like prevention, protection, prevention accordingly. Genetic testing helps in finding out whether either the boy or the girl has the genes responsible for genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia etc.

Colour, shape, structure, habits, attitude and disease are all determined by genes

According to experts, everyone gets a specific DNA sequence or chromosome structure from their parents. The genes found in them determine our colour, appearance, structure, habits and behaviour etc. According to medical science, everything about a human being is the effect of the genes of his ancestors. If there is any mutation or defect in them, then that too is transferred to the coming generations. Many genetic diseases keep putting children in trouble like this. There is no cure for many such diseases. Sometimes such diseases even lead to the death of newborn babies.

What is the current status of premarital genetic testing in India?

Premarital genetic testing is not mandatory in India at present. However, the country's top medical panel, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has issued guidelines on genetic counselling and testing, which recommend a number of tests for medical professionals and couples. Many experts, including molecular haematologists, oncologists and gynaecologists, say that premarital genetic testing should be promoted given the rising prevalence of genetic disorders in India and the growing awareness about their impact.

Prevention of many diseases by improving taste and life style

Doctors say that in a country with a population of 1.5 billion, genetic testing can reduce the mortality rate of infants and children, their genetic diseases, the expenses of parents and the burden on public health services. Because genetic diseases are not a matter of fate or luck. Preventing many such lifestyle related diseases is in our hands if detected on time. Genetic disorders can be detected and treatment can be started with some common tests like screening, complete blood count, blood group and Hb variant.

(Disclaimer: This content including advice provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. ent24x7 does not claim responsibility for this information.)