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 countries 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 former Secretary for Food and Health appointed the Steering Committee on Genomic Medicine (the Steering Committee) in December 2017 to lead the study on strategies for developing genomic medicine in Hong Kong. On the recommendation of the Steering Committee, the Chief Executive announced the launch of the Hong Kong Genome Project (HKGP) in the 2018 Policy Address, with $1.2 billion subsequently earmarked in the 2019-20 Budget for related purposes.
The former Food and Health Bureau established the Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI) in May 2020 to take forward the HKGP in partnership with the Hospital Authority, the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong and the Department of Health. Three advisory committees comprising university academics, doctors, representatives from patient groups and the industry have been set up to advise the HKGI on the scientific, data and ethical issues respectively. The HKGI is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals including doctors, scientific officers, bioinformaticians and genetic counsellors, etc.