Secondary/Tertiary Healthcare
Genomic medicine
Genomic medicine is an important sphere in contemporary medicine and scientific research. Given its rapid advancement and huge potential in screening, diagnosis and personalised treatment of diseases, many places have actively carried out large-scale genome sequencing projects in recent years to collect genome data for cutting-edge scientific research and clinical purposes.
In view of the importance of genomic medicine to future medical development, the Government established the Steering Committee on Genomic Medicine (the Steering Committee) in December 2017 to map out the strategies for developing genomic medicine in Hong Kong. On the recommendation of the Steering Committee, the Government set up the Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI) in May 2020 to promote the local clinical application and long-term development of genomic medicine.
Since its full operation in 2021, HKGI has been working with the Hospital Authority, local universities and the Department of Health to recruit participants and their family members to join the Hong Kong Genome Project (HKGP) for whole genome sequencing on a voluntary basis. HKGP currently covers cases of undiagnosed disorders and hereditary cancers and cases related to genomics and precision health. The sequencing results would allow patients to benefit from more precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and help promote medical research and development to cater for the future needs of healthcare services in Hong Kong.