China's first-ever center for the treatment of genetic disorders among children was inaugurated at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai on Sunday.
Although most serious genetic disorders are rare, they can be difficult to diagnose and treat, "carrying a morbidity rate of around 1 in every 1,000", according to Wang Yi, deputy head of the hospital.
Molecular diagnostic techniques are increasingly being used worldwide to assist doctors in identifying disorders and finding the best therapy, yet a nationwide standard has yet to be adopted in China, according to Huang Gouying, the hospital's head.
"We aim to establish a standard system with the center. All our hospital's departments will work together to carry out fundamental research, improve diagnosis techniques, and establish clinical applications to finally elevate the standardization and precision of medical intervention," said Huang.
Wu Jinglei, director of Shanghai Municipal Commissions of Health and Family Planning, said the center will contribute to reducing the incidence of birth defects and the morality rate of children under 5 years old.
