The Department of Medical Sciences is advancing the health system by opening the 'Genomic Health and Wellness Center', a comprehensive gene testing service center under the concept of 'Know Early, Prevent Effectively, and Have Confidence in Your Health'. Utilizing NGS technology, it analyzes genetic disease risks and rare diseases, addressing the needs of precision medicine while propelling the country towards becoming a Medical & Wellness Hub.

Dr. Yongyuth Thammawut, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, presided over the opening of the Genomic Health and Wellness Center at the Public Health Science Research Institute. He stated that the center was established under the concept of 'Gene Testing to Know Risks and Plan Health' to serve as a comprehensive center for molecular genetics and genomics services, covering diagnosis, research, and disease surveillance, particularly for genetically-based diseases and chronic non-communicable diseases. The use of genomic technology allows for precise study and analysis of data to keep Thai citizens safe from diseases and health threats, in line with the Ministry of Public Health's policy for 2025: 'Thai people free from diseases and health threats', and to enhance the country's health economy towards becoming a Medical & Wellness Hub.

The Genomic Health and Wellness Center will serve as a tool to address the trend of predictive and preventive medicine, emphasizing the importance of 'Knowing Early' to 'Prevent Effectively' and 'Plan Health in Advance'. By employing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology for comprehensive and accurate gene analysis, it opens opportunities for the public to identify genetic disease risks and rare diseases while planning personalized treatment and health care. The services cover four main areas for individuals with a family history of genetic diseases and those with unexplained symptoms.

This includes the general public who wish to plan their health in advance, such as: 1. Clinical Exome Sequencing (CES) – Expanded Panel to detect common genetic disease risks in Thais, such as thalassemia, hereditary cancers, and metabolic disorders. 2. Heart and neuromuscular diseases to find causes of rare diseases, such as muscle weakness. 3. Pharmacogenetic Testing for personalized treatment planning by selecting medications suitable for their genes to reduce side effects. 4. Genetic Testing for Health & Wellness to analyze genes related to health behaviors for personalized lifestyle adjustments, such as diet, sleep, and exercise.

“The Genomic Health and Wellness Center represents a significant strategic step in developing and enhancing Thailand's public health system, driving the country towards becoming a Medical & Wellness Hub and increasing access to quality gene testing for the public. 'Know Early, Prevent Effectively, and Have Confidence in Your Health' is our goal. The Department of Medical Sciences aims for everyone to access precision medicine to create sustainable and personalized health,”Dr. Yongyuth stated.

The Genomic Health and Wellness Center is located on the 1st floor of Building 1 at the Public Health Science Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi Province. For inquiries, please call 0 2951 0000 ext. 98036.