The Japanese government has unveiled a draft plan aimed at developing "world-class genomic medicine," which seeks to harness genetic data to advance medical care while addressing bioethical concerns and preventing discrimination, reports Japan News (YS).
Set to be submitted to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s Health, Labor and Welfare Division on Tuesday, the plan is expected to gain Cabinet approval by the end of the year. This marks the first draft under the Genomic Medicine Law, which was enacted in June 2023. Genomic medicine, which uses genetic information to treat and diagnose diseases, is expected to bring breakthroughs in areas such as cancer research and drug development.
However, alongside its potential, concerns have been raised about the risks of genetic discrimination. Critics worry that genetic information could be used not only to predict an individual's future health but also the health status of their family members, posing ethical challenges in how that information is used.
The draft plan's primary objective is to "contribute to public health by advancing genomic medicine while safeguarding individual rights and interests." To achieve this, the government has outlined a strategy that focuses on three key areas: raising public awareness, improving medical service delivery, and fostering research and development.
In terms of public awareness, the government plans to introduce a consultation service for genomic medicine by fiscal 2025. This service will be available through the Justice Ministry’s human rights consultation system and labor standards offices, among others. Additionally, the government will compile information on discriminatory practices related to genomic medicine and share it with relevant agencies. Educational materials on the topic will also be prepared and distributed to schools and workplaces nationwide starting next fiscal year, aiming to foster greater public understanding.
On the medical service delivery front, the government intends to enhance the accessibility of genomic medicine by improving medical institutions, particularly national and public hospitals, which will be central in providing these services. A cooperative network of medical institutions will be established to ensure a coordinated approach to delivering genomic medical care across the country.
Regarding research and development, the government is focused on building a robust genomic database and nurturing a skilled workforce in genomics. Plans include ongoing training and support for professionals to ensure the continued advancement of expertise in this rapidly evolving field.
With these initiatives, the Japanese government aims to strike a balance between cutting-edge genomic medicine and ethical considerations, ensuring that the benefits of this technology are accessible, equitable, and protect individual rights.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
