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Last Updated : 2024-04-24 06:20:00
10 May 2011 08:36 am - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Health Ministry will introduce legal provisions to forbid marriages between two Thalassemia carriers to eradicate the disease from Sri Lanka, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.
Minister Sirisena said the ministry has taken measures to make blood tests mandatory for every young couple before marriage.
“If the blood tests do not bring the desired results, the Health Ministry has no option but to bring legislations forbidding marriages between two Thalassemia carriers as Thalassemia is a hereditary disease. Our aim is to eradicate Thalassemia from Sri Lanka by 2015,” Minister Sirisena stressed.
The government spends around Rs. 1.6 billion to treat Thalassemia patients annually and Rs. 350 million out of it is spent only on drugs. If Thalassemia which is a preventable disease could be eradicated, the government can utilize these funds for a better cause, he said.
Some 250,000 marriages are performed annually in Sri Lanka and offspring of 1,600 parents are born with Thalassemia. Latest data shows that there are 1,600 Thalassemia patients in the country and 160 of them are children. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)
Svetha Tuesday, 10 May 2011 11:33 AM
Forbidding marriage is not an answer to spreading HIV
Zaharan Thursday, 12 May 2011 10:18 AM
A brilliant move. Even though the main purpose of this decision is to eradicate the disease but on the other hand it will also contribute to avoid any sufferings later.
Nan Wednesday, 11 May 2011 05:43 AM
difficult decision. but taking measures now will prevent the younger generations from suffering. feel very sorry for the patients.
gsw Wednesday, 11 May 2011 04:59 AM
May be banning marriages is violating fundamental rights, but making complete medical checkups compulsory would be a good thing because of HIV and other diseases.
Upali Wednesday, 11 May 2011 04:44 AM
Can't the couple be treated before the marriage ??
Lieon Jayatunge Wednesday, 11 May 2011 04:41 AM
A very good move
JP Wednesday, 11 May 2011 04:19 AM
This is absurd....breach of our Fundamental Rights...and its against the constitution.....
mike Wednesday, 11 May 2011 04:24 AM
are u actually a doctor to make such a stupid comment? its not about human rights if u see the sufferes. u are the idiot
Emsee Tuesday, 10 May 2011 04:32 PM
Educating the public is a must. Banning marriages based on compulsory blood tests will be overthrown by the Supreme Court.
This is plane rhetoric, like promising the academics the moon.
The Liberal Tuesday, 10 May 2011 03:21 PM
The state is overreaching its powers. What next? No interracial and inter-religious marriages? The government should just mind it's business and not get into the private live of people.
Epa Tuesday, 10 May 2011 11:43 AM
J good point. hope Authority may understand and implement it.
sam Tuesday, 10 May 2011 08:40 AM
good move..
Dushantha Tuesday, 10 May 2011 11:18 AM
It will not be easy like the way you talk. After all life is not a Hindi Movie.
Pooja Tuesday, 10 May 2011 10:51 AM
Similar move should be done for HIV also... Many innocent lives can be saved
Dr.Herath Tuesday, 10 May 2011 10:50 AM
absolutely, Minister of Heath is advised by some idiots who do not understand human rights
cheers
Dr.herath from Australia
j Tuesday, 10 May 2011 10:08 AM
Better to introduce medical data inside National I.D card that is the uncomplicated way.
Don Tuesday, 10 May 2011 10:03 AM
Is it a must to get married to have children in Sri Lanka?
Varun Tuesday, 10 May 2011 09:43 AM
I wish it would be implemented in India soon....
Knight Rider Tuesday, 10 May 2011 09:22 AM
medical certificate before marriage certificate, good move, it highlight lots of other decease as well.
Chamalka Tuesday, 10 May 2011 09:13 AM
This is insane . what if the couple decides to continue their Marriage with no kids ????
TMA Tuesday, 10 May 2011 09:00 AM
Now we gotta give blood tests B4 marriage. :))
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