DNA Cards - Vietnam

The story below is taken directly from the Vietnamese News Agency  – VeitNam News. The lack of commentary or protest is as concerning as the DNA cards themselves.

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HA NOI — People suffering from hereditary diseases may benefit from a DNA-testing programme that Viet Nam plans to introduce by 2010.

The programme, implemented by the Ha Noi-based Centre for Genetic Analysis and Technologies, would include ‘DNA cards’ that help in early detection of 10 of the most common hereditary diseases, said Le Dinh Luong, the centre founder and president of the Viet Nam Genetics Society.

“Each hereditary disease is a sign of one or more errors in DNA,” said Luong. “Today’s genetics technology can find these errors in each person, and warn them of the potential that they may acquire a certain disease.”

Luong said the programme would include personal DNA cards, which would be made following medical tests on patients. These cards will include advice on treatment and how to prevent or slow down diseases.

“DNA disease detection cards could be personalised to find remedies for each disease and each person,” said Luong.

“The final aim is to give an early diagnosis and improve prevention to boost living standards and longevity.”

The cards could even be used for three-month-old children in the womb. Obstetric experts said at this early period, doctors could take necessary intervention measures for disease treatment

A DNA disease detection card is expected to cost US$1,000. However, Luong said the cost would quickly drop as new technology becomes available. A similar fall in costs had occurred with Viet Nam’s DNA identity card. Luong said current DNA identity cards cost about VND3 million ($187), 180 times cheaper than initially thought.

“DNA cards have become popular around the world, proving their obvious value,” said Luong

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Which other countires have DNA Cards?

Tags: DNA