2 more genetic diagnostic centres in the offing

The way genetic diseases and conditions are diagnosed is set to change drastically in the state, with the launch of two new genetic diagnostic centres shortly. The centres, which will be set up at Rajkot and Bhavnagar civil hospitals, will function as complete genetic diagnostic centres with facilities ranging from research and training to detection.

At present, Gujarat has a total of four such centres, including one private and three Government laboratories. However, the three government centres have been carrying out research and diagnosis on specific disorders.

For example, the Zoology Department at Gujarat University looks at male infertility; the Cancer Hospital in Ahmedabad focuses on cancer; and the Foundation for Research in Genetic and Endocrinology in Ahmedabad studies chromosome analysis. The new centres, however, are the first two government centres in the state that will provide treatment for all genetic diseases and conditions.

Apart from diagnosis, the two centres will help the state government in building data to conduct research on specific and special disorders.

“The existing government and private diagnostic centres cater to specific disorders. But the two new centres would provide diagnosis for all genetic disorder cases,” said GSBTM Director Akshaykumar Saxena. He added: “These centres will prove very useful in carrying out research in general as well as on specific disorders.”

While the new centres have begun the process of installing equipment required for conducting a range of tests for gene and molecular analysis, the GSBTM has commenced the training modules for staff members. “Two batches, each consisting of 30 qualified members, have been imparted the required training,” said Madhvi Joshi, GSBTM Sector Specialist for Pharma and Health Care.

Existing centres

* Zoology Department, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad — This department has been running the Clinic for Genetic Diagnostics since 1979. The main focus is on congenital disorders like infertility.

* Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, M P Shah Cancer Hospital, Ahmedabad — Established in 1972, GCRI is a functional autonomous body jointly managed by Govt. of Gujarat and Gujarat Cancer Research Society. The Institute is actively involved in Cancer cytogenetics to provide services for patients with leukaemia, including karyotyping and FISH analysis in various blood cancers to help in diagnosis and prognosis.

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