Deputy's Initiative
Torobekova justified her position by emphasizing the need to reduce the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. She noted that a similar practice already exists in Uzbekistan and helps prevent infection between spouses.The deputy provided an example of young people returning from Moscow, where they may be carriers of infections, and then getting married without informing their parents and partners. She also highlighted the importance of informing the public about ways infections are transmitted and the need for monitoring migrants who may be susceptible to various diseases.
Expert Opinion
The editorial team of Kaktus.media reached out to Galina Chirkina, Executive Director of the "Alliance for Reproductive Health," for a comment on this initiative.Chirkina questioned the feasibility of mandatory medical examinations, asking, "What will happen next? Should we also confirm the absence of debts before entering into marriage?"
According to her, medical examination is a personal matter for each individual, and its necessity should only be determined within the framework of responsible work where health matters.
She noted that mandatory examinations could become a barrier to marriage. "If such examinations become a prerequisite for marriage registration, many people might prefer to live in unofficial relationships," Chirkina added.
"Research needs to be conducted continuously, not just before marriage," she emphasized.Chirkina also pointed out that if marriage is already a result of a relationship, such an initiative may not resolve existing problems. "It's costly and doesn't receive approval from citizens," she concluded.
The expert cited Estonia as an example, where free screenings for cervical cancer are conducted for women of certain birth years. "This creates motivation for women to undergo examinations," she explained.
"The initiative proposed by the deputy does not serve as motivation; rather, it demotivates people," Chirkina believes.Speaking about preventive examinations, she emphasized the need to separate marriage issues from health care. "The state should provide youth with the necessary information and services before they enter into marriage or sexual relationships," the expert noted.
Chirkina also highlighted the importance of sexual education in educational institutions and the availability of anonymous medical services, which can help increase young people's confidence in their health.
The Situation in Uzbekistan
In Uzbekistan, a mandatory medical examination is required before marriage registration, and without it, documents are not accepted at the registry office, as reported by the portal nchpl.uz.The medical examination program includes:
- tests such as a complete blood count, HIV test, syphilis test, glucose level check;
- ultrasound, ECG, fluorography;
- examinations by a cardiologist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist, gynecologist (for women), and urologist (for men);
- visits to specialized dispensaries - psychiatric, narcological, dermatovenerological, and tuberculosis.
The medical examination is regulated by legislation that protects citizens' health.
Chirkina noted that she has no information on how mandatory medical examinations in Uzbekistan help identify serious infections and expressed hope for further research in this area.
What are your thoughts on this initiative?
Photo on the main page is illustrative: msn.com.
