Evaluating the Legal Framework for Thalassaemia Prevention and Control in Pakistan

Abstract

Thalassaemia, a preventable genetic blood disorder, continues to impose a significant burden on Pakistan's healthcare system. Despite advances in medical science and the availability of cost-effective preventive strategies, the country continues to report new thalassaemia major births each year. In response to this public health challenge, the provinces of Sindh (2013), Balochistan (2015), and more recently Punjab (2025) have enacted legislation aimed at the prevention and control of thalassaemia. While these legislative frameworks represent a commendable policy shift, a critical appraisal reveals several structural, operational, and implementation gaps that must be addressed to ensure real-world impact.