Genomics is going to shape the future of India’s healthcare: Dr Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: India is a role model for the world for its integrated approach in preventive healthcare, stated Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology while addressing ICMR-India Diabetes and Joint Diabetes program at Kashmir University & the valedictory function of ‘Genomics towards Better Health’ Event.

Dr Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making India a world leader in ‘Preventive Healthcare’ by enabling Indian scientists to develop first ever DNA Vaccine for Covid and provide it to the other countries.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of preventing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and other lifestyle disorders in the young

During his address, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Biotech Start-ups are crucial to India’s future economy as Biotechnology as awakened by PM Modi has its own merits and potential to lead India. “India’s bio-economy was just about $8 Billion in 2014 and now under Prime Minister Narendra Modi we have at least awakened to the merits of Biotechnology and Bioeconomy which has grown up to $100 Billion, now we are targeting $150 Billion by 2025”. Dr. Jitendra Singh added.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, in his speech, commended the organizers for orchestrating a well-designed and highly scientific program that delved into topics of current importance, laying the groundwork for breakthroughs in the field of genomics. He emphasized that genomics is no longer confined to the realm of research but has a profound impact on precision and personalized medicine. India, he noted, is making significant strides in comprehending the role of genetics across various domains, particularly in healthcare.

Highlighting the pivotal role played by the “Genome India” project, one of the flagship initiatives of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated the efforts of Dr. Ashraf Ganie leading the project, which is poised to improve our understanding and research further in the field.

Addressing the gathering Dr. Jitendra Singh said that both the institutions, CSIR and Kashmir University jointly collaborating for a project here today, have a rich legacy and have marched with the times along with the journey of independent India.

Dr. Singh Said that this event is being held when the entire nation is basking under the success of Chandrayan. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, science and scientists have gained immense respect and recognition in India. This underscores the positive developments and advancements taking place in the country, he added.

Dr. Singh talked about the National Education Policy 2020 which will ensure that the coming generation will get the best of the aptitude and talent particularly in the area of research and innovation. Earlier the education system was not flexible and did not give us enough opportunity but now the whole ecosystem is now more favourable and the credit of this bold initiative goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

I have been pushing for a more integrated synergised approach if we have to move further from where we are today we have to grow holistically. We are looking forward to become a global player, we have to live up to the global challenges and parameters and our strategies have to match to the global standards, he further added.

While speaking about the success of Startup policy, Dr Singh said that the total number of startups have sprung up from 35400 to 125000 just in 8 to 9 years because of the new favourable startup policy. In space alone, in 4 years we have gone up from 4 startups to 150 startups. This shows how the new startup policy offered a lot of opportunities encouraging more startups to come forward. The more integrated and wholesome we become, the more we will excel.

Dr. Singh highlighted that this is now a time when the world is ready for an integrated approach. India gave the world the first DNA COVID vaccine but what is exciting and amazing is that this country which hardly believes in protective healthcare. It is amazing to know that the same nation which didn’t have much aptitude for therapeutic healthcare has become a leader in preventive healthcare and a frontline nation in terms of research and the world is recognising us. Genomics is another step towards that preventive strategies we are going to have in the future.

Insulin resistance is the main hallmark to prevent diseases and I am sure we will widen this project and we will also integrate these two three studies so that we can benefit from each other’s inputs. Dr. Singh hoped for efforts for an integrated approach in future. We have to learn to put our inputs and work cultures together otherwise we won’t be able to achieve the wholesome output,that is the hallmark.

The government has come up with The Anusandhan National Research Foundation of which the Kashmir university and other institutions can make best use of it.

Dr. Jitendra Singh closed his address by underlining the pressing need for more such innovative programs and institutions for non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes. He stressed the necessity of dedicated diabetes institutions for research and training, ultimately contributing to better healthcare and well-being for all.

The valedictory function at Kashmir University marked an important milestone in the journey toward leveraging genomics for better health and tackling the diabetes epidemic that looms large on the horizon.