Sri Lankan government to implement Genetic Research Facility to diagnose non-communicable diseases
Sri Lanka’s Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne has reportedly stated that the Government has decided to implement a Genetic Research Facility to diagnose non-communicable diseases.
The statement issued by the Ministry has stated that setting up of a new laboratory to conduct genetic base researches will cost around Rs. 482 million.
According to Senaratne, a Cabinet proposal will also be presented on this regards in the due course.
The Minister has said a Bill to set up the facility will be presented in Parliament as a follow up to a proposal in forthcoming 2019 Budget in November.
The Minister has further stated that genetic technology will help to diagnose cancers at early stages and for medical conditions such as Thalassemia, Haemophilia will be cured with the new technology.
“The five genetic laboratories are currently in use in Sri Lanka and the proposed research facility will enable the use of genetic technology for forensic science as well, and we can cut down the medical expenses for diagnosing and treatment. Under this project, Sri Lanka will get the chance to use the latest technology used in the field of medicine around the world,” Senaratne has stated.
OSL take:
The setting up of the Genetic Research Facility to diagnose non-communicable diseases is a development undertaken by Sri Lanka’s health sector, which is engaged in the development of its facilities as well as improving the medical technologies in line with global trends. Sri Lanka’s health sector is a hotbed for investments given the many projects ranging from the development of the state hospital network to the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. Interested foreign investors could explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s health sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/28092018/Z_3 |