KOLKATA: Kolkata gets an institute that will help in early identification of genetic disorders that will facilitate timely intervention. The Apollo Genomics Institute at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Kolkata is part of the hospital chain’s expansion of such institutes after Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “India is a highly diverse heterogeneous country, and as a result, genomic medicine could have transformative potential.With decreasing infant mortality rates, genetic disorders are emerging as an important group of diseases. According to a 2021 report by the health ministry the number of diseases in India that are globally recognised as rare diseases encompass around 7,000 to 8,000 disorders.”
“Today, as our population gets more health conscious, we’re also seeing increased awareness amongst individuals around the value of genomic tests in the prevention and diagnosis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and genetic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders amongst others. The expansion of the Genomics Institute is a critical step towards the prevention and management of NCDs, which continues to be a significant public health challenge in India and around the world.” She added.
Suneeta Reddy, MD, of the hospital group said, “Constantly increasing the availability of real-world data sources coupled with patient-centric analytics offer deeper insights into how they are diagnosed, treated, and beyond. Genomics is one such area. Our focus on preventive care and personalised medicine underscores our commitment to a more resilient and healthier society.”