Union minister Jitendra Singh: India moves from infectious diseases to personalised medicine
Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday said India has shifted from an era of primarily battling infectious diseases to one focused on genomics, molecular diagnostics and personalised medicine, positioning the nation to address complex health challenges more effectively. Emphasising that early detection and affordability remain the biggest challenges in tackling genetic and rare diseases, Singh said India is now scientifically and economically equipped to respond through advances in genomics, biotechnology and preventive healthcare.
Speaking during his visit to the DBT‑BRIC Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) in Hyderabad , the minister said institutions like CDFD are central to transforming laboratory research into real-world clinical outcomes. “Unlike earlier decades, when India was primarily battling infectious diseases, the country has now entered a phase where molecular diagnostics, genome sequencing and personalised medicine are becoming central to healthcare delivery,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s focus on genetic health, Singh pointed to rapid progress in genomics-led efforts, including large-scale genome sequencing initiatives and paediatric genetic disease programmes. He said these efforts are preparing the healthcare system for what he described as “an era of personalized treatment, where patients with similar conditions may require different therapeutic approaches.”
On rare diseases, the minister observed that the National Policy for Rare Diseases , introduced in 2021, marked a significant shift in government strategy and reflected openness to scientific input. He stressed that detection must be followed by sustained and affordable treatment for affected families.
During the visit, Singh laid the foundation stone for the National Skill Development Centre - SAMARTH (Skilling and Accessing Molecular Advancements in Research & Technology for Health), built to address key skill gaps in forensic DNA profiling and molecular diagnostics. He also inaugurated the iDeA‑NA BRIC‑CDFD Technology Incubator, aimed at supporting life-sciences startups and fostering innovation in biotechnology.
Singh spoke about the rapid expansion of India’s bio-economy, noting that biotechnology startups have multiplied and are contributing significantly to the economy. He credited the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) with strengthening research collaboration between institutions and industry.
Referring to national policy support, he highlighted the Bio-E3 Policy announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an Independence Day address, saying it has generated strong interest among scientists, startups and young innovators across the country.
Singh also underlined India’s leadership in preventive healthcare and vaccines, saying indigenous innovations deployed nationally and shared globally reinforce the country’s role in global health. He said investing in early diagnosis and prevention is a national imperative given that a large share of the population is young.
His remarks reflect the broader shift in India’s healthcare strategy, from managing infectious diseases to emphasising genomics, personalised medicine and biotechnology as tools for prevention, precision treatment and stronger health systems.