JAMMU, Feb 2: “Gene therapy offers a personalized approach to disease management for every patient. Even when two individuals confront the same illness—such as cancer or kidney disease—the treatment could vary significantly, based on the individuals’ unique genetic profiles, pre-existing conditions, and inherited susceptibilities,” stated Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, during the inauguration of the Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine at AIIMS Jammu.
Established in collaboration with 4 Base Care, the Centre aims to herald a new era of personalized medicine, utilizing advanced genomic research to deliver tailored treatments aligned with individual genetic profiles.
Emphasizing the transformative potential of gene therapy, the Minister noted that with advancements in genomics, healthcare professionals will shift away from a universal treatment model and begin customizing therapies to enhance efficacy and specificity for each patient.
The newly inaugurated Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine positions AIIMS Jammu as a leader in India’s medical research arena. By integrating genomic information with AI-driven diagnostics, the centre aspires to improve early disease detection, refine treatment strategies, and minimize the trial-and-error methodology in medical prescriptions. Experts attending the event recognized that this facility would significantly advance precision oncology, cardiovascular genomics, and the genetic screening of rare disorders.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, technology-driven advancements in healthcare have been prioritized. He referenced government initiatives promoting indigenous research and biotechnology, noting the tremendous growth in India’s bio-economy—from approximately $10 billion in 2014 to nearly $130 billion today, with an ambitious goal of reaching $300 billion in the near future. He also mentioned that the country now boasts over 9,000 biotech startups, a dramatic rise from merely 50 in 2014, positioning India as a burgeoning leader in medical innovation.
The Minister emphasized the importance of an India-centric genomic database, given the country’s distinctive genetic diversity. “India is essentially a subcontinent, hosting over 4,600 unique demographic groups. Our gene sequencing initiatives, which have already mapped 10,000 healthy individuals from 99 communities, will contribute to a comprehensive dataset that addresses Indian-specific health challenges,” he remarked. He reaffirmed the government’s pledge to complete one million genome sequences in the coming years to facilitate more accurate disease forecasting and personalized treatments.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also pointed out the resurgence of infectious diseases alongside the growing incidence of non-communicable diseases, advocating for a hybrid approach that combines traditional diagnostics with genetic insights. “India has already distinguished itself in preventive healthcare with groundbreaking advancements such as the world’s first DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine and the HPV vaccine. This new centre will further enhance our capacity to prevent, diagnose, and manage diseases with cutting-edge technology,” he added.
A principal goal of the centre is to make precision medicine both affordable and accessible to the broader population. Given that personalized treatments have often been expensive, AIIMS Jammu intends to leverage domestic research and government-supported biotech initiatives to reduce costs while integrating precision medicine into public health frameworks.
The Minister highlighted programs like Ayushman Bharat, which has extended health coverage to millions, and the newly introduced Bio-E3 policy, which concentrates on using biotechnology for economic development, environmental sustainability, and job creation. He noted that the government’s National Research Foundation (Anusandhan) will be essential in funding next-generation research in genomics and personalized medicine.
Dr. Jitendra Singh elaborated on how Precision Medicine can revolutionize cancer treatment, allowing physicians to design targeted therapies rather than relying solely on conventional chemotherapy and radiation. He referenced India’s successful execution of the first-ever genetic therapy trial for hemophilia at CMC Vellore, where patients exhibited a 60% increase in clotting factor production with no bleeding incidents. The trial, recognized internationally and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlights India’s emerging prominence in genetic research.
He also mentioned that genomic medicine will be instrumental in combating lifestyle diseases like diabetes, which is increasingly affecting younger demographics in India. Recent research indicated that the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Jammu is slightly greater than the national average, emphasizing the critical nature of AIIMS Jammu’s research in formulating effective intervention strategies.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded his remarks by reiterating the government’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, where healthcare is not only curative but also predictive and preventive. “This is just the beginning. The future of medicine is personalized, and India is well-positioned to lead globally in genomic healthcare,” he asserted.
Earlier, in his welcoming address, Director AIIMS Jammu, Dr. Shakti Gupta expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Jitendra Singh’s support in establishing and continuously upgrading AIIMS Jammu.
Dr. YK Gupta, President of AIIMS, and Dr. V Srinivas, Director of AIIMS New Delhi, also spoke on this significant occasion.
