Rs. 482 m Genetic Research Facility to diagnose NCDs: Rajitha

The Government has decided to implement a Genetic Research Facility to diagnose Non-Communicable Diseases, Minister of Health Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senarathna said in a statement.

The statement said setting up of a new laboratory to conduct genetic base researches will cost around Rs. 482 million. A Cabinet proposal will also be presented on this regards in the due course, Minister stated.

He said a Bill to set up the facility will be presented in Parliament as a follow up to a proposal in 2019 Budget in November.

The genetic technology will help to diagnose cancers at the early stages and for medical conditions such as Thalassemia, Haemophilia will be cured with the new technology, the Minister stated.

“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,” Minister Senaratne added.