During the official launch of the pre-marriage medical examination presidential initiative on Saturday, the health minister noted that 79,000 medical certificates have been issued to the individuals who underwent the tests since 26 February when the ministry launched the pilot phase of the initiative.

He also noted that 12 percent of the couples who underwent the tests as part of the initiative were relatives.

Abdel-Ghaffar also revealed that a total of 313 centres across Egypt have been specially equipped for the medical examinations, adding that there is a gradual plan to increase the number of centres.

He underscored the expected medical and social benefits of the initiative in both the short and long term, and stressed its importance in producing a generation that is free from both genetic and infectious diseases.

In December, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi spoke about the new pre-marriage medical procedures.

He said that marriages will have to be approved by a committee chaired by a judge after reviewing the automated examination results sent by the Ministry of Health.

The test results do not, however, influence or hinder the marriage since the purpose of the screening is to ensure an informed decision for both parties

The newly-launched presidential initiative, which is part of the presidential public health initiative “100 million healthy lives,” comes as part of the new personal status law that the state has made.

It includes a new pre-marriage medical screening certificate for the new tests with a QR code.

Medical examinations ahead of marriage have been compulsory in Egypt since 2008. However, the new certificate adds new obligatory tests for the couple planning to get married.

Applicants can call the hotline 15335 or visit the 100 Million Healthy Lives initiative's website to learn about the nearest health centre where they can undergo the pre-marriage tests.