A DNA database in the NHS?

The Human Genomics Strategy Group (HGSG) and the Wellcome Trust have proposed that everyone in the NHS should have their DNA sequenced and stored linked to electronic medical records in the NHS, building a DNA database of the entire population. You can see the plan in this presentation.

A GeneWatch UK report details the Government's support for this proposal and its plans to build a DNA database in the NHS in England by stealth (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will make their own decisions because health powers are devolved). The plan would allow every individual and their relatives to be tracked and the data will be sold to private companies, such as Google, for commercial exploitation without people's knowledge or consent. Read the press release and article in Public Service Europe.

If you are concerned about this plan you can contact your MP.

An article in The Scientist explains why whole genome sequencing is rarely useful for people's health. However, the plan to provide every person in the NHS with a personalised risk assessment is expected to lead to a massive expansion in the market for drugs and other products, such as supplements and cholesterol-lowering margerines, which can be sold using personalised marketing based on an individual's health data.

If this plan goes ahead, every individual and their relatives could be tracked using their DNA.

This is the latest version of a secret plan to build a genetic database of every adult, child and baby in the NHS. You can read the history of this idea here.

Further information about the new proposals can be found below.

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