Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine opens at AIIMS Jammu

Gene therapy promises individualised management of disease for each patient: Dr. Jitendra Singh

The Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine recently opened at AIIMS Jammu, inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Government of India.

Set up in collaboration with Bengaluru-based startup 4baseCare, the Centre aims to usher in a new era of personalised medicine, leveraging cutting-edge genomic research to provide targeted treatment based on individual genetic profiles.

By integrating genomic data with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, the centre aims to enhance early disease detection, optimise treatment strategies, and reduce the trial-and-error approach in medical prescriptions. This facility is intended to play a pivotal role in advancing precision oncology, cardiovascular genomics, and genetic screening for rare disorders.

While personalised treatments have traditionally been costly, AIIMS Jammu aims to leverage indigenous research and government-backed biotech initiatives to bring down costs and integrate precision medicine into public healthcare programmes.

The Minister highlighted initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, which has provided health coverage to millions, and the recently launched Bio-E3 policy, which focuses on biotechnology for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and employment generation. He stated that the government’s National Research Foundation (Anusandhan) will play a crucial role in funding next-generation research in genomics and personalised medicine.

Published on : 05th February, 2025