The Indonesian Ministry of Health states that more than 70% of deaths in Indonesia are caused by diseases that can be prevented with early prevention, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. These diseases can be prevented as early as possible through DNA testing. But unfortunately…
Unfortunately, Indonesia still does not have a human DNA data center (biobank) like other countries. Even though biobanks can have great benefits in the health industry, such as the raw material for making medicines, vaccines, and other innovations.
“There are more than 3 billion pairs of DNA in the human body. A lot of information can be known, such as details regarding genes, disease risk, lineage, personality, and talent,” said Asa Ren CEO Aloysius Liang in a press release, Thursday (16/ 2/2023).
Meanwhile, 17% of the total health budget expenditure has been allocated for disease prevention. Aloysius said that most of the data on human DNA, which is often used as a reference for making medicines and vaccines, comes from the continents of Europe and America.
In fact, 60% of the world’s population actually comes from Asian families. This figure causes the treatment received by Indonesian citizens not to be 100% effective.
Aloysius emphasized that Asa Ren also continues to develop equipment, experts, and laboratories which are all located in Indonesia so that samples for DNA testing do not have to be sent abroad. The company is now providing consumers with the accessibility of in-person DNA testing.
Later, the test results will include health risks (predisposed risk), heredity information (ancestry), as well as other reports intended for adults and children. He emphasized that Asa Ren would also continue the development of this DNA test so that he could create clinical test products.
For example, DNA tests related to human response to drugs (pharmacogenomics) and DNA tests to test the risk of cancer that is inherited from parental genetic factors (OncoGx).
Furthermore, Indonesia is a country with the largest ethnic and biological diversity in Southeast Asia. Therefore, investment opportunities in the health sector through genetic research are very wide open.
For information, a DNA (deoxyribonucleic) test or genetic test is a medical test that aims to identify changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. This test helps to determine a person’s chances of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.
A DNA test can be done by taking a blood or saliva sample and the results can be available in a few days or weeks.
To undergo a DNA test, of course, costs must be incurred, from the cheapest to the most expensive. If usually health costs can be borne by BPJS Health, then this does not apply to DNA testing.
BPJS Health cannot be used for DNA testing. You can outsmart it by doing a DNA test at a non-private hospital to get a low price.
