16,247 pre-marriage tests in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi health authorities tested 15,247 people in 2014 to determine if they are eligible to marry and more than 700 of them were found to be ill.

The 2014 figure brought to 56,222 the total number of people who underwent pre-marriage medical tests in Abu Dhabi emirate during 2011-2014, according to the Abu Dhabi Health Authority (ADHA).

A report published by the semi-official Arabic language daily ‘Al Ittihad’ showed 342 of those tested last year had Thalassemia while 213 suffered from anaemia, 140 from hepatitis B and 36 from syphilis.

ADHA said more than half of those tested over the past five years were Emiratis, adding that such tests are now compulsory and aim to ensure a disease-free marriage life.

“This measure is intended to ensure the couple will live a healthy life and have a healthy offspring. It also gives  couples a change  to see the doctor in case they have any worries or fears before  marriage,”  said  Dr Farida Al Housani, director of the contagious diseases section at ADHA.

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