The Ministry of Health (MOH) has launched the first phase of the electronic healthy marriage service at public health facilities. It pointed out that the healthy marriage service aims to automate all medical screening, starting from entering data for parties and educating them, until the completion of screening and uploading results on “Seha” platform and sending the number of the approved health certificate to compatible couples via SMS message. The couples can view the certificate through “Sehaty” app or “Seha” platform, and in case they are incompatible they will be referred to the counseling clinics. In addition, the Ministry of Justice will be enabled to inquire about healthy marriage certificates in order to complete the marriage contract procedures.
The premarital screening program, since it was launched in 2004, seeks to achieve harmony between couples through public health facilities. In addition to automating the service, the “Seha” platform issues profession practicing license for the private sector; thus enabling as many couples as possible to plan for healthy family in both sectors.
It is noteworthy that the healthy marriage certificate is valid for six months and reexamination may be conducted for infectious diseases only, given the importance of the healthy marriage and to avoid genetic incompatibility between the couples.