Premarital medical examinations are essential for anyone planning to get married. In a society where genetic and hereditary diseases are prevalent, these conditions often remain undetected without proper screening. Such diseases can lead to severe health and psychological challenges for children and their families, causing lifelong suffering and the need for specialised care.
Many hereditary diseases are silently carried by parents who do not exhibit any symptoms or complications. However, these conditions can be passed on to their offspring, leading to chronic, debilitating illnesses and disabilities that severely impact the quality of life and may even shorten life expectancy.
Genetic disorders result from mutations or defects in genetic inheritance. When these conditions are inherited, they are classified as hereditary diseases. The Ministry of Health has implemented a premarital screening programme as a preventive measure to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, birth defects, and to decrease child and maternal mortality. The programme places particular emphasis on hereditary blood diseases, which are notably prevalent in Oman.
According to the Ministry of Health, hereditary blood diseases such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia are widespread in Oman. Approximately 6 pert cent of the population carries the gene for sickle cell anaemia, while 2 per cent are carriers of thalassaemia. These statistics, particularly among children under five years old, highlight the urgency of preventive measures like premarital medical examinations and genetic counselling, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
In Oman, premarital screening services are available to all citizens who wish to undergo the examination. Although optional, these services are provided free of charge to Omanis over 18 years of age through various health institutions across the country. The examination process includes confidential counselling by trained doctors who interpret the results and ensure privacy.
Dr Muslim bin Said al Araimi, a genetic medicine consultant at the National Centre for Genetic Health at the Royal Hospital, emphasised the importance of educating parents about premarital screening. He encourages parents to guide their children to undergo this examination before marriage to prevent the transmission of genetic diseases and protect the health of future generations.
Studies consistently show that the spread of genetic blood diseases poses a significant health and social challenge, placing a heavy burden on both families and the healthcare system. Premarital medical screening is crucial for maintaining family and social stability, as these diseases are transmitted from parents to children. While marriage between relatives increases the risk, even non-relative marriages are not exempt from the potential of passing on genetic disorders.
Premarital medical screening is an essential part of marital preparation, as vital as arranging housing or wedding plans. Despite some reluctance or preconceived notions against it, this examination is fundamental to ensuring a healthy and happy life for both partners and their future families.
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