Ministry of Health and Welfare

Voluntary regulatory measures on

unverified genetic testing prepared

- Public hearing for “development of guidelines on genetic testing” held –

Ministry of Health and Welfare Minister Rim, Chae Min) and Korean Institute of Genetic Testing Evaluation held a public hearing for “development of guidelines on genetic testing” at the main auditorium of Samsung Hospital, Seoul at 3 pm on 9 Nov. (Wed.)

The latest DNA testing technology allows disease prediction and customized treatments for incurable diseases. However, it is also true that some DNA tests recklessly done are causing many adverse effects.

Particularly, there is a growing number of cases of many people being provided with inaccurate genetic information, thus resulting into making rash and unreasonable decisions due to scientifically and ethically unverified types of genetic testing such as stamina, obesity, longevity, IQ, and curiosity tests.

The guidelines developed this time will include regulatory measures that medical institutions should voluntarily observe regarding genetic testing such as types of genetic tests that should be scientifically and ethically restrained as well as minimum standards for testing agencies.

The government will continue to further refine and develop the guidelines on genetic testing in cooperation with medical and academic communities and genetic testing institutions, thus providing more accurate genetic information to people.