BY Shifrah Kwagala: The government of Uganda has restricted Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing testing to two labaratories.
Following public outcry for the family wreckage the testing has done the government has released guidelines for DNA testing as intervention.
According to the guidelines communicated by Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister for Health , only the Government Analytical Labaratory and MBN Clinic Labaratories Nakasero will be doing the tests.
According to Aceng , the above have been found to meet the requirements by vigorous assesment from the government.
She said; “The Labaratories will be required to give pre and post counselling to individuals that turn up for tests for the possible mental health consequences.”
The guidelines also stipulated that labarotories carrying out these tests should observe strict data management.
More to the new regulations is that no Labaratories or clinics are to collect samples for DNA testing unless in agreement with the accredited labs.
Shipping out of DNA tests as well will not be allowed unless endorsed by the Director General for Health.
However , Aceng later mentioned that the government is open to applications for DNA testing from any Labaratories and clinics that feel they can meet standards upon assessment.
The guidelines according to the Minister of Health are in good will to prevent fabrication of information and protection from quacks. Last week parliament asked the government to intervene in the matter.