Sa'eedi, Director of Non-Contagious Diseases at the Ministry of Health, has said that more illnesses could be added to the premarital test when it comes up for review. The premarital test program, which received Cabinet approval in 2004, is reviewed once every three years, and additions to the list of ailments require consent from a meeting of ministry representatives, universities and other departments, followed by approval from the Cabinet. According to Al-Sa'eedi, the Ministry of Health conducts premarital tests on over 250,000 persons each year. “About 47 percent of persons tested and found to be incompatible decided not to proceed with their marriages,” he said, describing the figure as “a great success”. Al-Sa'eedi added that studies are under way to allow the test to be conducted by the private sector. The obligatory examination tests for hereditary and contagious illnesses. Once taken, couples are free to proceed with marriage whatever the outcome, except in the case of those found HIV/AIDS positive who are only permitted to contract marriage with other persons with HIV/AIDS.
