Genetics and genomic medicine in Iran.

ABSTRACT

Attention has been focused on the field of genetics and genomics in Iran in recent years and some efforts have been enforced and implemented. However, they are totally not adequate, considering the advances in medical genetics and genomics in the past two decades around the world. Overall, considering the lack of medical genetics residency programs in the Iranian health education system, big demand due to high consanguinity and intraethnic marriages, there is a lag in genetic services and necessity to an immediate response to fill this big gap in Iran. As clarified in the National constitution fundamental law and re-emphasized in the 6th National Development Plan, the Iranian government authority is in charge of providing the standard level of health including genetic services to all Iranian individuals who are in need.