UK plans DNA tests for all newborns to spot illness early

The UK government has announced a new plan to test the DNA of every newborn baby over the next 10 years. This is part of a big change in the NHS (National Health Service) to focus more on stopping diseases before they start, instead of just treating them when people get sick.

This new approach is being led by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. He said that using DNA tests, also known as whole-genome sequencing, will help doctors spot serious health conditions early even before any symptoms appear. “Genomics presents us with the opportunity to leapfrog disease, so we’re in front of it rather than reacting to it,” he said.

Right now, newborn babies in the UK get a simple blood test five days after birth. This test checks for nine rare diseases by pricking the baby’s heel. The new DNA test will be more advanced. It will likely use blood from the baby’s umbilical cord right after birth to check for hundreds of health risks.

The plan is part of the Life Sciences Sector Plan, which will be officially launched in early July. The government will also invest £650 million in gene and DNA research by the year 2030 to support this project and improve patient care.

Mr. Streeting said he wants to build a future where the NHS prevents illness, not just treats it. This would help reduce the number of seriously ill patients, lower healthcare costs, and allow people to live longer and healthier lives.

New technology like artificial intelligence (AI) will also be used to help predict when someone might get sick. That way, doctors can step in early with treatment or lifestyle advice.

The 10-year NHS plan also includes two other big changes:

1. More healthcare will happen in local communities instead of just hospitals

2. Services will go more digital, moving away from paper and old systems

Chancellor Rachel Reeves also promised that the NHS will get £29 billion more each year over the next three years to help improve services and reduce waiting times.