Union Budget 2024: An opportune moment to advocate integration of genomics into India’s healthcare system

By Surajit Chakrabartty, CFO, MedGenome

India has witnessed a transformative evolution in the healthcare sector in the past few years, driven by significant scientific and technological advancements. One of the pivotal elements propelling this transformation is genomics. It has guided us in identifying mutations responsible for complex diseases and design targeted treatments. Genomics as a diagnostic tool has seen rapid adoption in India, notably in the past 1-2 years. This growth is becoming more perceptible in larger cities and tertiary care settings, but the significance lies into the accessibility in tier 2 and 3 cities and secondary care centers. Several factors are contributing to this expansion, including increased awareness, wider availability of genetic diagnostics beyond metropolitan areas, and enhanced affordability.

Awareness is on the rise, driven by the recognition of genetic testing’s importance and its potential in timely interventions and targeted treatment. Affordability is another critical factor influencing the adoption of genetic diagnostics. Reduced costs of diagnostic tests, along with a rise in disposable incomes, have made genetic testing more accessible to a broader section of the population. Moreover, the post-pandemic era has witnessed a heightened focus on preventing future health crises. This has led to consumer interest in preventive wellness measures and early disease screening. In response to this trend, various genomic wellness companies have launched tests to cater to the growing demand for personalized health insights. Understanding genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and other contributors to health conditions has gained significant importance. In this journey towards a healthier future, one aspect stands out – the need for awareness campaigns around genetic testing for both communicable and non-communicable diseases, with a particular focus on lifestyle diseases. India faces a substantial disease burden, and leveraging genomics for early detection and personalized treatment can significantly alleviate this burden.

“To unleash its full potential, India requires support from all stakeholders, especially the government for a comprehensive approach to integrating genomics into the healthcare system.”

Data-driven insights from Genomics are reshaping the way diagnosis is done and is paving way for personalized treatment approaches through targeted treatment. Liquid Biopsy in Cancer and whole-genome sequencing-based tests like SPITSEQ for drug-resistant TB are examples of cutting-edge technologies that hold promise of revolutionizing healthcare. These innovations should catalyze the shift in focus on research initiatives for genomics-aided biomarker and drug discovery. India, with its vast talent pool and research capabilities, can capitalize on these advantages to innovate and commercialize new therapies. However, to support this progress, strict regulatory guidelines and ethical frameworks are necessary. They not only encourage competitiveness but also attract investment, thereby strengthening the healthcare ecosystem.

While significant strides have been made in the field of genetic testing, it is essential to recognize that the sector is still in its early stages, tapping into less than 10%-15% of its total potential. This underscores the vast room for further growth and exciting developments on the horizon. With the Union Budget approaching, it is an opportune moment to advocate for a comprehensive approach that accelerates the integration of genomics into India’s healthcare system, contributing to better health outcomes for individuals nationwide.

By channeling resources effectively, India can spearhead genomics research initiatives, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations for the world. Allocating funds for large-scale programs to study rare diseases and integrating prenatal genetic testing into Maternity Benefits Schemes are vital steps that can lead to the creation of a healthier future generation and a reduction in the overall disease burden. Government initiatives in this direction are crucial to ensuring that the benefits of genomics reach every corner of the nation. To unleash its full potential, India requires support from all stakeholders, especially the government for a comprehensive approach to integrating genomics into the healthcare system. Collaboration between the private and public sectors is another essential element in India’s quest to lead in genomics research.

It is evident that genetic testing has moved from being a niche service to a mainstream tool for healthcare management. This trend is expected to gain even more momentum in the future as genomics continues to provide valuable insights into health and disease. The healthcare landscape in is evolving rapidly, and genomics is at the forefront of this transformation and India is poised to lead this genetic revolution.

**The views expressed by the author are his own.