The Health Ministry has decided to set up a genetic diagnosis technology unit, recently. The ministry will receive technological assistance and guidance for the project from the United States of America.
The unit would be used to help diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer, thalassaemia, haemophilia, as well as mental disorders.
It has been predicted that medical sciences based on genetic technology would replace the current medical sciences by 2030. At present there are five genetic laboratories in the country and the Health Ministry intends to establish a well-equipped genetic laboratory equipped with advanced medical appliances for promoting genetic engineering-based medical treatment at a cost of Rs.42 million.
A batch of doctors are expected to be trained on genetic engineered in America, in addition to the few physicians already employed in the same field. Dr. Badula Wijeratne, a veteran in genetic medical technology who is currently in Huston, U.S.A., has pledged his cooperation in this venture.
A Health Ministry spokesman said that under the genetically-improved medical treatment, drug doses could be assessed for a series of infectious and non-infectious diseases according to the nature of each patient efficiently.
The United States of America had pledged to provide Sri Lanka with the necessary equipment for the endeavour following recent discussions between Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and Acting American Health and Human Services Ministry Secretary Eric Hargan in New York.
Deputy Secretary Hagen had said that Sri Lanka has been in the forefront of healthcare services in South and South-east Asian countries and hence, America was prepared to share its medical and scientific knowledge for the benefit of the people in Sri Lanka. An American delegation headed by the Acting Health Secretary Eric Hargan is expected to visit Sri Lanka soon to identify avenues of support related to modern medical science.
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