A nation of guinea pigs

摘要

FOR decades, the UK's National Health Service has provided medical care to the country's citizens: some 62 million of them, at the last count. Its patient records constitute a cache of medical data incomparable in scale and depth. This week, Prime Minister David Cameron announced plans to open up large parts of that database to anyone who wants it. Cameron's idea is part of a package designed to stimulate the faltering British pharmaceuticals industry. He hopes researchers will mine the treasure trove for clues about the genetic and lifestyle factors behind diseases such as cancer and dementia, and identify patients who might benefit from new drugs. This is not the first time a government has made such a proposal. During the 1990s, Iceland wanted to compile a database of medical records, DNA samples and genealogical records for the country's population. But the plan foundered in the face of fears that it would compromise patient confidentiality.