Genomic Medicine Sweden (GMS) highlights vital aspects for the successful introduction of precision medicine into Swedish healthcare in its Strategy Plan 2021–2030.
In Strategy Plan 2021–2030, GMS presents its ambitions for the introduction of precision medicine into healthcare in Sweden over the coming decade. Considerable emphasis is placed on stable, long-term funding and national leadership, as well as on ensuring that the changes have the support of healthcare professionals.
Precision medicine is already part of Swedish healthcare for certain diagnoses and in certain regions of the country. The objective of GMS is that, in future, gene sequencing – in the form of broad gene panels and whole genome sequencing – will be used to a far greater extent to provide better diagnostics and more equitable care for patients. The aim is to provide improved follow-up and monitoring and personalised care and treatment for patients with cancer and rare, infectious and complex diseases. It is expected that over the coming decade the number of samples analysed by healthcare providers using broad gene sequencing will exceed 800,000.
The GMS Strategy Plan illuminates the key issues that need to be addressed and managed if we are to succeed in introducing precision medicine into Swedish healthcare. These include national coordination and management, a national genomics platform for the secure use of genomic data, increased access to clinical studies, collaboration – not least with patient associations and the private sector – and skills development.
The five overarching goals set by GMS are also well-aligned with the goals of Sweden’s National Life Sciences Strategy and the Government’s objective of making Sweden a pioneer in the implementation of precision medicine.
“Achieving the Government’s objective of being a pioneer in the implementation of precision medicine will require further investments, both in terms of funding and national leadership,” says Mats Ulfendahl, chair of the GMS Steering Committee.
Discussions will no doubt continue regarding the challenges and solutions for the ongoing implementation of precision medicine in healthcare and what national leadership might look like in the form of collaboration between regional healthcare authorities and central government.
