EHS added that the service can be accessed by visiting authorised healthcare centres, booking an appointment through the application, or calling 8008877. The service is free and optional for those planning to get married.
Regarding the outcomes of this service, Dr Essam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of Clinical Services Sector at EHS, explained that genetic testing is a preventive measure that protects community members from genetic diseases. This is done by identifying some inherited disease-causing genes and calculating the chances of passing them on to future children, providing appropriate solutions available when the couple wishes to proceed with marriage and parenthood.
EHS clarified that pre-marital testing is mandatory for all individuals planning to marry to screen for infectious and genetic diseases such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, while the optional genetic test helps in identify genetic risks to provide specialised counselling for couples. Furthermore, genetic testing is not limited to those with a family history of genetic disorders but can be beneficial for everyone.
Emirates Health Services emphasises the transformation of genetic data into accurate health predictions by leveraging advanced healthcare infrastructure and the UAE Genome Programme.
