India completes landmark sequencing of 10,000 healthy genomes

New Delhi: India has achieved a significant milestone by completing the sequencing of 10,000 healthy genomes from various parts of the country. Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Minister for Science, Technology, Atomic Energy, and Space, made this announcement recently. This accomplishment marks a crucial step towards developing gene-based treatments for diseases, devising new healthcare approaches, and enhancing public health.

Genome sequencing is an advanced scientific process used to identify the unique DNA signature of all living organisms, including humans. According to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it significantly aids in detecting diseases at an advanced stage.

India is vigorously pursuing large-scale human genetic studies, positioning the country prominently in global genome research endeavors. Dr. Suchita Ninawe, an Advisor to India’s Department of Biotechnology, emphasized this during the event commemorating the completion of 10,000 genome sequencing cases.

Dr. Singh highlighted the remarkable growth of India’s bio-economy, which has surged from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion this year, marking a thirteen-fold increase over the past decade. He also noted the rapid expansion of the biotechnology sector, propelling India into the ranks of the top 12 bio-manufacturers globally.

To further advance collaborative scientific efforts on a national scale, the government has established Genome India, a consortium comprising 20 national scientific institutes. This initiative aims to foster mission-oriented partnerships across the nation, driving advancements in various scientific domains.

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