Union Budget: Why genomics and precision medicine in India need government's attention

India’s healthcare sector has made notable scientific and technological advancements over the past two decades, with genomics playing a key role. Genomics has significantly impacted disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment by identifying mutations responsible for complex diseases. Increased awareness of the benefits of genetic testing among healthcare practitioners is contributing to its adoption in India. However, public awareness remains essential for its broader adoption and success.

The healthcare sector in India is rapidly growing both in terms of revenue and employment generation. The availability and range of services have expanded due to increased public and private involvement resulting in a greater emphasis on high-quality, affordable healthcare.

Despite progress, there are ongoing challenges in ensuring wider access to specialised healthcare, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, improving public health expenditure, focusing on preventive care, and advancing healthcare research. Digitisation has facilitated contactless healthcare delivery and faster decision-making, transforming the traditional healthcare delivery model to offer better service and convenience to consumers at competitive costs. India’s strengths as a healthcare investment destination include its large population, skilled medical professionals, and cost competitiveness in healthcare services and medical research.

Future of genomics and precision medicine

Omics technologies, particularly genomics, have highlighted the potential of precision medicine in healthcare. Genomics, a valuable tool in healthcare screening and management, offers significant benefits to patients. Key areas for developing the precision medicine sector include integrating precision medicine principles into research, clinical practice, industry and regulation; creating awareness; educating the general population; and making genetic diagnostic tests more affordable. The practical benefits of precision medicine treatments in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs are significant.

Genome sequencing has advanced considerably since the first human genome was sequenced in 2003. Clinicians and patients increasingly rely on genetic tests for accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, as well as managing rare diseases. Technological advancements have reduced sequencing costs, making these tests more affordable and accurate, thereby broadening their reach. By identifying preventive solutions and treatment options, these tests have improved patient outcomes.

Large population-level sequencing projects, like COVID-19 genome sequencing, have shown how new genomic tools can provide better epidemiological insights. The sector is expected to grow, driven by factors such as increased life expectancy due to early disease diagnosis, a decline in disease burden, rising disposable income, favourable insurance policies, targeted medical support, infrastructure development and policy support.

Government initiatives and future prospects

The Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote the healthcare industry, including the National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. This government support is crucial for the future of the healthcare sector. As the country prepares for the post-pandemic era, the focus on early diagnosis, prevention, and targeted treatment is essential. Increased investments in R&D and healthcare technology, along with developing the right talent pool, will strengthen the country’s emergency care response infrastructure. Government support for collaboration between industry and academia, backed by policies and regulations, will encourage investment and research in this field.

Public-private partnerships and regulatory framework

Government-led genome sequencing programmes and population-wide genome sequencing initiatives in collaboration with private entities will provide insights for better disease management. Effective resource utilisation and fostering public-private collaborations can advance the adoption of genomics in various clinical applications and make it more accessible to the broader population. This includes funding large-scale studies on rare diseases, integrating prenatal genetic testing into maternity benefits, and raising awareness about rare disorders and available support for patients and their families.

Comprehensive regulatory guidelines and ethical frameworks are essential for sustained progress and a robust genomics infrastructure. This will enhance competitiveness and investment in the industry, further strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem. With these efforts, India can improve its healthcare outcomes and contribute significantly to the global genomics landscape.

The author is CFO, MedGenome. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.