DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) technology has great potential to improve healthcare and public health. This is evident from discussions between RIVM and stakeholders such as healthcare providers, researchers, patient representatives and product developers. They believe that this technique can be used more, for example, to detect and treat (hereditary forms of) cancer earlier and better – reports the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
However, more knowledge is needed about the relationship between DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and health and, therefore, what new developments in DNA technology can add to health. It must also become clear what is socially desirable.
Meeting needs in society. The interviewees consider it important that the use of DNA technology meets the needs of society. The citizen must be central to this and must be able to choose for himself which applications he or she considers desirable or not. Moreover, DNA technology is not unrelated to other developments in healthcare and society, such as digitization and more attention to prevention. The use of the technology must be properly geared to this.
(Source RIVM – 2023)
DNA technology for the Dutch population
Conditions. Those involved consider the conditions for the use of DNA technology to be important. This is because DNA technology touches on both social and individual issues. For example, not everyone wants to be confronted with DNA characteristics of themselves and family members or make information about their health available for research. While collecting and sharing data is essential for research. That is why cooperation, direction and legislation and regulations are some of the most frequently mentioned conditions.
About the investigation. DNA technology is developing rapidly. For example, more and more is becoming known about the connection between DNA and diseases and/or treatments. DNA is already being used, for example to treat people and to prevent diseases, but it is not yet clear how DNA technology and developments in it can be better used. Because there are many developments, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) will draw up a vision and policy plan. This requires ideas from the parties involved. RIVM has spoken to 31 parties on behalf of the ministry. Download the report: DNA technology for the Dutch population (pdf 60 pages)