On the role and importance of ‘Genetic Diagnostics’, Diagnostics Summit 2019 saw a presentation on ‘Making Genetic Diagnostics Affordable & Accessible for the Billion’ by Neeraj Gupta, Founder & CEO, Genes2Me at the Imperial, New Delhi on Friday.  

Gupta in his presentation emphasized that there hasn’t been a significant improvement in the diagnostic industry. He referred, “Although India has the best class infrastructure and doctors for healthcare yet, for the diagnosis of some cancer we have to travel to the USA.” 

Further, he clarified that although it is commonly perceived that genetic diagnostics are expensive but in reality it starts only at Rupees five thousand. Sharing the aim of Genes2Me, Gupta said, “We aim to provide affordable, fast, and sensitive genetic diagnostics.” 

While raising the concern of side effects of the drugs consumed by patients without understanding the compatibility to their body, Gupta said, “Most people die during the treatment period as only 90 per cent medicine works for 30 to 40 per cent people and hence adverse drug reactions are the major cause of deaths globally.” 

Addressing the audience, Neeraj highlighted the significant importance of personalised medicine and how genetic diagnostics can play a key role in understanding the compatibility of a certain drug with an individual. Further, he introduced Genes2Me’s Med4Me test which helps in prescribing the drugs by studying individual’s metabolism, Gupta stressed, “These tests are cost-effective and starts from rupees 5000 and can help in analysing the appropriate medicine from more than 600 medicines for an individual.” 

Neeraj also informed about the ‘Personal Lifestyle Coach’ which understands lifestyle traits, metabolic health factors, nutritional needs, and diet helping in improving the lifestyle of individuals in a more personalised way.  

Currently, genetic diagnostics in India is a budding project and needs serious attention from both the authorities and the users. As its results are significant hence the regimen attracts key investments from the venture to make India fit and healthy.