Kaduna Assembly passes bill on compulsory medical screening before marriage

It will soon be unlawful to get married without undergoing medical screening in Kaduna State, the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] reports.

This followed the passage of the bill titled the Pre-medical Examination Bill 2017, by the State House of Assembly on Thursday.

The bill, if assented by the governor, would make it compulsory for would-be couple to undergo medical test to determine their health status and compatibility before marriage.

It also imposes a fine of “not less than N100.000.00 or imprisonment of not less than six months or both” for violators.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr John Kwaturu, who presided over the assembly’s sitting said the law was necessary to protect couples from avoidable diseases.

Kwaturu said that the first test should be conducted three months before marriage and the second screening two weeks to wedding.

The deputy speaker explained that the law also provides that the medical examination would be conducted simultaneously by both parties in approved health facility.

He added that the result of the medical test would be explained to the two parties by the medical doctor, who must issue them with certificate.

“No person shall formalize any marriage contract for any person wishing to marry without medical certificate issued by a qualified medical doctor in respect of both parties,” a part of the law stated.

He said it was an offence under the law for any health worker or any person to issues false medical result or assist in the issuance of same.

The deputy speaker added that such persons “shall be liable on conviction to a fine of N200.000.00 or imprissoment of not less than one year or both.”

The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr Nuhu Shadalafiya told newsmen, after the sitting, that relevant government agencies would  sensitise the people to create awareness on provisions of the bill.

“Government should ensure serious mobilization before the law takes effect using radio television and the social media.

“It must ensure that the message is circulated in Churches and Mosques, and at ceremonies so that it gets to the grassroots.

“This is important, so that when one is caught contravening the law, there will be no excuse,” he said.