New Delhi, Oct 11 (NationPress) Affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for both physical and mental health is vital for a self-reliant India, stated Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh.

During the virtual opening of the 10th Annual "Cell and Gene Therapy" Symposium at the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, organized by the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) with the support of the Department of Biotechnology, Singh expressed these views.

He emphasized that affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare, whether for physical or mental well-being, is crucial in achieving a self-reliant India.

Singh commended CSCR for its groundbreaking work after successfully completing India's first human gene therapy trial for Hemophilia A.

This inherited bleeding disorder, resulting from the lack of clotting Factor VIII, has historically demanded expensive lifelong treatment.

CSCR’s innovative strategy, utilizing lentiviral vectors instead of the traditional AAV, has broadened patient eligibility and demonstrated sustained Factor VIII expression without bleeding incidents.

This is not merely a scientific achievement--it's a significant leap toward affordable and accessible gene therapy for India and other low- and middle-income nations, the Minister noted.

He added that these advancements illustrate how institutions are fostering innovation to realize the ambitions of India@2047.

Singh also pointed out that CSCR, a translational unit based in Stem, Bengaluru, under the DBT, is gearing up for the next phase of clinical development.

“Several technologies targeting hemoglobinopathies are being handed over to commercial partners, while CSCR is creating a GMP-compliant haplobank of iPSCs as part of the Global Alliance for iPSC Therapies,” he mentioned.

Moreover, the Union Minister inaugurated a new 42-bed medium-cost private ward within the Department of Psychiatry.

This medium-cost facility aims to cater to patients from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

“The Psychiatry Department currently operates three essential wards--the fully subsidized Annexe Ward, a partly subsidized low-cost private ward, and a private ward whose revenues sustain the others. However, many rooms in the private ward, constructed in the 1950s, have become structurally inadequate. This new ward addresses that necessity, adding 42 beds that comply with modern safety standards and deliver top-quality psychiatric care,” he explained.

Singh underscored that this ward strikes a balance between affordability and excellence.

“By creating a supportive environment that promotes family involvement in the recovery process, this facility will enhance patient care while ensuring subsidized treatment for underprivileged communities,” he concluded.