DOHA: While Qatar is all set to launch the mandatory pre-marital tests, public opinion is changing in favour of the medical check up, as reflected in an online survey conducted by Al Sharq daily.

Eighty one percent of the participants in the weekly survey voted for the tests, while 15 per cent said the tests would not make any difference. Four percent didn’t express any view.

Once the tests are implemented, every male and female getting married in Qatar will be screened to diagnose hereditary, infectious and chronic diseases. However, the decision will be left to the families to decide on a planned marriage, in case the test results are negative.

Medical experts have pointed out that the tests will help curb hereditary diseases in the future generation.

However, some nationals, while reacting to the survey said that they would not make an difference since the social norms will not allow families to retract from an arranged marriage, even if the test results are negative.

The same would be the case with love marriages.