Dr. Jitendra Singh Dedicates UMMID Programme to Nation, Says India Moving Towards Genome-Based Precision Healthcare

Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that over the last decade the Government has focused heavily on making healthcare affordable, preventive and accessible.

India has taken a major step in strengthening its genomic healthcare ecosystem with the nationwide dedication of the UMMID (Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders) programme for rare genetic diseases by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. The initiative is expected to significantly improve early diagnosis, screening, counselling and management of inherited disorders while laying the foundation for precision medicine in the country.

Speaking at a national event organised by the Department of Biotechnology in New Delhi, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the future of healthcare is moving rapidly toward personalized and genome-based treatment systems where therapies and medical interventions will increasingly depend on the genetic profile of individual patients.

The Minister highlighted that rare genetic disorders have long remained one of the most neglected areas in healthcare because of the complexity involved in diagnosis and the high cost of treatment. Many families affected by such conditions often struggle for years without accurate diagnosis or proper medical guidance, resulting in emotional stress, social challenges and heavy financial burdens.

He stated that India's enormous genetic diversity further complicates the challenge and makes it essential to develop a strong nationwide system for genetic diagnostics, prenatal screening, counselling and clinician training. According to him, the UMMID programme has been designed to bridge this gap and create a coordinated healthcare framework capable of supporting patients suffering from inherited disorders.

As part of the programme launch, the Minister also unveiled the UMMID Compendium and introduced a dedicated digital dashboard that will help improve nationwide monitoring, outreach and access to genomic healthcare services. The platform is expected to strengthen coordination among healthcare institutions and expand access to advanced diagnostic facilities across different parts of the country.

Senior scientists, healthcare experts, clinicians and representatives of various biotechnology and healthcare institutions attended the event, reflecting the growing importance of genomics and biotechnology in India's healthcare transformation.

Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that over the last decade the Government has focused heavily on making healthcare affordable, preventive and accessible. He said initiatives related to wellness centres, health insurance expansion, affordable medicines and preventive healthcare systems are now being complemented by investments in advanced medical technologies and genomic research.

The Minister described the UMMID initiative as an example of how science and public policy can work together to reduce suffering through timely medical intervention. He emphasized that the programme integrates several components including newborn screening, prenatal diagnosis, genetic counselling, advanced testing and community awareness under one coordinated framework.

According to officials, the initiative has already helped nearly three lakh individuals through various screening and diagnostic services. The programme has also expanded its reach into Aspirational Districts and underserved regions to ensure that advanced healthcare technologies are not restricted only to major urban centres.

One of the major achievements under the programme has been the establishment of nearly 30 NIDAN Kendras across the country. These centres are equipped to provide advanced genetic testing, counselling and diagnostic support, helping patients gain access to specialized healthcare closer to their homes.

The Minister further stated that the experience gained through UMMID would become a strong foundation for the next phase of precision medicine in India. He explained that diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular ailments and cancers may increasingly be treated using personalized genetic information in the future, leading to more targeted and effective therapies.

Experts at the event also highlighted that genetic medicine and nuclear medicine are emerging globally as two highly transformative fields that could redefine healthcare systems in the coming decades. India's growing investments in biotechnology, genomics and translational research are expected to position the country as a major contributor in these sectors.

Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and Director General, BRIC, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, said the programme has already brought hope to thousands of families by enabling scientific intervention and early diagnosis. He added that India's unique genetic diversity offers immense opportunities for medical research and healthcare innovation with global relevance.

Senior Adviser, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Suchita Ninawe, stated that the initiative has helped create an integrated national network for managing inherited diseases through institutional partnerships, capacity-building and improved access to diagnostics and counselling services.

The programme also showcased several success stories and featured presentations on future plans aimed at expanding genomic healthcare infrastructure and improving awareness regarding inherited disorders across India.

With increasing focus on biotechnology, precision medicine and advanced healthcare systems, the UMMID initiative is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening India's healthcare capabilities while ensuring that cutting-edge medical technologies become more accessible and affordable for ordinary citizens.