Denmark Launches National Genome Center and Personalized Medicine Initiative for Improved Healthcare for Danish Citizens

In Denmark, the government will spend about DKK100 million or $14.2 million over the next three years on expanding personalized medicine and genomic data into electronic medical records, and establishing a national genome center. The government initiative, called the National Strategy for Personalized Medicine and nicknamed Per Med, is hoping to utilize the latest technologies and genomic data to improve healthcare for patients. Considering 80% of Denmark clinical specialists already use genetics in their practices, the initiative is trying to ensure everyone is going in the same direction with regards to genetics and not in contradictory directions, including ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of genetics in healthcare and medicine. The national genome center will serve as a hub for integrating genomic data that can be used for more personalized medical care for Danish citizens.