Vinmec healthcare system supports all costs of DNA testing to find the identity of martyrs

(Baonghean) - On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 2017), Thien Tam Fund - Vingroup Corporation announced the implementation of the 'DNA testing support program to identify martyrs' at Vinmec Healthcare System.

This is an activity to pay tribute to the heroic martyrs who sacrificed for the Fatherland, and at the same time provide practical support to families in difficult circumstances who are looking for the graves of their relatives who are martyrs, implemented by Vingroup Corporation nationwide.

Starting today, July 27, 2017, Thien Tam Fund will implement a program to support the entire cost of DNA testing to identify martyrs for families searching for their loved ones' graves. The reception and DNA testing will be carried out at the Vinmec Stem Cell and Gene Technology Research Institute (under the Vinmec healthcare system). The Institute has established a working group to identify martyrs by DNA testing, as well as mobilize all of the Institute's resources for this special and meaningful program.

Vinmec gene technology specialist performs DNA amplification process on PCR machine.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Liem, Director of Vinmec Stem Cell and Gene Technology Research Institute, said: “The Institute is focusing on maximum resources, including inviting domestic and international experts to develop an action plan, as well as implementing the testing process to ensure accuracy in the shortest time. DNA testing will be performed on a new generation gene sequencing machine; at the same time, we will build a gene data bank for martyrs' relatives and a gene data bank for suspected samples for analysis, comparison as well as coordination and data exchange with relevant agencies on the issue of searching for martyrs' remains.”

Searching and collecting martyrs' remains is one of the major issues in post-war policy work, always receiving great attention from state management agencies and people and has achieved many positive results. However, up to now, there are still many martyrs' remains that have not been searched and collected. Therefore, Vingroup Corporation, through Thien Tam Fund and Vinmec Healthcare System, participates in supporting families in difficult circumstances who are searching for martyrs' relatives to better perform this important work.

Vinmec gene technology specialist performs mitochondrial DNA sequencing on the MiSeq next-generation sequencing system.

Steps to receive test samples:

Step 1: Send documents to email:[email protected]Note: In case of sending hard copy documents, please send to: Thien Tam Fund Group, 4th Floor, Tower 1, Times City, No. 458 Minh Khai, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.

The profile includes: Application form (according to form); Birth certificate (showing relationship with martyr); Identity card; Household registration book; Martyr's family certificate; Confirmation of relationship between martyr and relatives registering to participate in the program (relatives on the maternal line include: mother, aunt, maternal grandmother) or brothers, sisters, biological children) - confirmation form (according to form); Application for identification of personal identity issued by the Department of Meritorious People, Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs.

Step 2:After receiving a complete application for identifying the martyr, Vinmec will contact the martyr's relatives to advise on the process and necessary procedures.

Step 3:Relatives of martyrs come to Vinmec Times City International General Hospital (at 458 Minh Khai, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi) as instructed to take blood samples for testing, and bring along bone or tooth samples collected (retained) from unidentified remains to perform DNA testing.

Step 4:After receiving complete test samples, Vinmec will schedule an appointment to respond to the martyr's relatives with results for each specific case.

P.V