Center for Medical Genomics Expands Precision Medicine Through Thailand’s Universal Healthcare Scheme
Bangkok, — Thailand is advancing precision medicine by integrating genomic technologies into its Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), enabling more people to access personalized disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through the country's public healthcare system.
Bangkok, — Thailand is advancing precision medicine by integrating genomic technologies into its Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), enabling more people to access personalized disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through the country's public healthcare system.
The Center for Medical Genomics at the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, is working with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to expand genomic services under Thailand’s "30-Baht" Universal Healthcare Scheme, making advanced genetic testing more accessible to eligible patients nationwide.
Professor Dr. Wasun Chantratita, Head of the Center for Medical Genomics, explained that genomics examines the complete set of human genetic information rather than individual genes alone. By combining genomic data with environmental, lifestyle, and clinical factors, healthcare providers can deliver Precision Medicine tailoring prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to each patient's unique genetic profile.
He noted that genomics plays an increasingly important role in addressing Thailand's growing healthcare challenges, including an aging population, chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), cancer, rare diseases, severe drug reactions, and rising healthcare costs. Early identification of genetic risk can improve treatment outcomes while reducing unnecessary medical interventions and long-term healthcare expenditures.
Expanding Genomic Services Under Universal Healthcare
Several genomic services are now available through Thailand's Universal Coverage Scheme for eligible patients, including:
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): A blood test that analyzes fetal DNA to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. The test improves screening accuracy while reducing the need for invasive amniocentesis. High-risk screening results are confirmed through diagnostic testing before any clinical decisions are made.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Testing: Available for breast cancer patients who meet high-risk criteria and for eligible first-degree relatives of patients carrying pathogenic variants. The testing supports personalized treatment planning, cancer surveillance, and early risk assessment for family members.
- Pharmacogenomic Testing: Genetic testing for markers including HLA-B15:02, HLA-B58:01, HLA-B*57:01, CYP2C19, and CYP2C9 helps physicians select safer medications and reduce the risk of severe adverse drug reactions through individualized prescribing.
Strong Data Protection and Ethical Standards
As genomic medicine becomes more widely available, patient privacy remains a top priority.
According to the Center, genomic data are protected under international security standards and Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Genetic information is anonymized before research use, and any future research requires informed consent from participants, ensuring transparency and protection of personal genetic information.
Significant Health and Economic Benefits
The Center highlighted the success of NIPT as an example of precision medicine's value.
Among 10,021 pregnant women evaluated, only 47 required confirmatory amniocentesis following NIPT screening. The total screening cost was approximately 27.29 million baht, while the program was estimated to prevent 30 births affected by Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).
Based on an estimated lifetime healthcare and social care cost of 21 million baht per individual, the program could reduce long-term societal costs by approximately 630 million baht, representing an estimated 23-fold return on investment.
Preparing the Healthcare Workforce
The successful implementation of genomic medicine also depends on trained healthcare professionals.
The Center has established intensive clinical training programs for Genetic Counselors, equipping healthcare personnel with the skills needed to communicate complex genetic information, explain risks, and support patients and families in making informed healthcare decisions with confidence and sensitivity.
Looking Ahead: Rare Diseases and Personalized Drug Therapy
The collaboration between Ramathibodi Hospital and the NHSO extends beyond current genomic services.
Future plans include expanding genomic testing for rare diseases, which often require lengthy diagnostic processes, and increasing the use of pharmacogenomics to optimize medication selection for patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and psychiatric disorders.
Professor Dr. Wasun Chantratita, emphasized that the NHSO plays a strategic role in stimulating domestic investment in genomic medicine while ensuring that Thai citizens remain the primary beneficiaries through improved access, quality, affordability, and sustainability of healthcare services.
He added that these efforts will also strengthen Thailand's ambition to become a regional genomics hub in ASEAN, supporting both public health and the country's future biomedical industry.
Source :
National Health Security Office
ArokaGO Providers Center For Medical Genomics Ramathibodi Hospital
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