Could the 'National BioBank' Revolutionise Personalised Healthcare for Every Indian?
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Synopsis
The launch of the National Biobank by Dr. Jitendra Singh marks a transformative step towards personalised healthcare in India, promising tailored treatments based on genetic and lifestyle factors, aiming to combat complex diseases effectively and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Personalised healthcare is becoming a reality in India through the National Biobank.
- The Biobank will collect data from 10,000 individuals to enhance treatment strategies.
- This initiative aims to tackle complex diseases like diabetes and cancer.
- Collaboration among institutions and industries is essential for success.
- Data-driven approaches will empower AI diagnostics and gene therapies.
New Delhi, July 6 (NationPress) The nation is on the brink of a future where each Indian could receive personalised medical care tailored to their unique genetic profile, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors, stated Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Sunday.
He officially launched the cutting-edge Phenome India "National Biobank" at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in New Delhi. This state-of-the-art facility represents a major advancement in establishing India’s own longitudinal health database, paving the way for tailored treatment plans in the future.
The Biobank aims to form the foundation of a nationwide cohort study, amassing extensive genomic, lifestyle, and clinical information from 10,000 participants throughout India.
Inspired by the UK Biobank, this Indian iteration is specifically designed to reflect the country’s rich diversity—spanning geography, ethnicity, and socio-economic strata.
Experts anticipate that this initiative will facilitate early detection, enhance treatment precision, and strengthen the battle against intricate health issues such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and rare genetic conditions.
Speaking to the scientists and researchers at IGIB, Dr. Singh remarked, "The shift towards personalised healthcare is not just a concept anymore—it’s becoming a tangible reality, fueled by homegrown innovations."
He highlighted the distinct health issues faced by Indians, particularly the high rate of central obesity, which is often overlooked as a risk factor.
The minister pointed out prior studies indicating that seemingly lean Indians might have a significant amount of fat concentrated around their waists, stressing the necessity for health strategies tailored to the population. "Our health conditions are complex and highly varied. This is where the Biobank becomes crucial—it enables us to unravel that complexity," he stated.
He underscored the rapid progress of India’s scientific community, referencing recent breakthroughs in quantum technology, CRISPR genome editing, and the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
"India is no longer trailing behind—we are among the early adopters, sometimes even leading the way," he declared. The Biobank, he added, will support these initiatives by producing high-resolution data that can fuel AI-driven diagnostics and gene-oriented therapies.
Dr. Singh also advocated for increased collaboration among research institutions, government bodies like the Department of Biotechnology, and industry stakeholders, especially in fields like AMR and pharmaceuticals. "Research must go beyond the lab—it needs to reach the market and serve the community," he emphasized.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, praised the Biobank’s launch as a courageous step toward India’s self-sufficiency in healthcare data.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that the establishment of the National Biobank signifies a pivotal moment in India's healthcare landscape. This initiative embodies a commitment to advancing personalised medicine while addressing the unique health challenges faced by the Indian population. A national approach to healthcare data is vital for ensuring that every citizen can benefit from tailored medical solutions, enhancing public health outcomes across the country.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Biobank?
The National Biobank is a state-of-the-art facility launched in India to collect and analyze comprehensive health data from individuals to enable personalized healthcare.
How will the Biobank aid healthcare in India?
The Biobank will facilitate early diagnosis and targeted treatments for complex diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular issues by providing tailored healthcare solutions based on genetic and lifestyle data.
Who is leading this initiative?
The initiative is led by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, who emphasizes the importance of indigenous innovations in healthcare.
How many participants will the Biobank study?
The Biobank aims to collect data from 10,000 individuals across India.
What makes the Indian Biobank unique?
The Indian Biobank is designed to reflect the country's diverse geography, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring that the data collected is representative of the entire population.
