The Government of India has launched multiple initiatives to advance personalised medicine, with a strong focus on genomics, precision diagnostics, and targeted therapies. These efforts aim to strengthen scientific research, improve health outcomes, and build sustainable, technology-driven healthcare systems.
GenomeIndia Project Builds National Genetic Resource
As part of this push, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) funded the GenomeIndia initiative, which has completed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of over 10,000 individuals. These participants represent all major population groups across the country.
GenomeIndia data reflects the Government of India’s commitment to cutting-edge scientific research. Moreover, the initiative is poised to reshape health and biomedical science by democratising access to a national genetic resource and enabling sustainable development in healthcare innovation.
Phenome India National Biobank Launched
In parallel, the Ministry of Science and Technology launched the state-of-the-art Phenome India National Biobank at the CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in New Delhi.
As reported by pib.gov.in, the Biobank will serve as the backbone of a nationwide cohort study. It aims to collect comprehensive genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from 10,000 individuals across India, thereby supporting long-term research into disease patterns and personalised interventions.
Precision Biotherapeutics Prioritised Under BioE3 Policy
Meanwhile, DBT has identified Precision Biotherapeutics as a key thematic area under the BioE3 Policy. Under this initiative, DBT supports research, development, and manufacturing of indigenous mRNA therapeutics, monoclonal antibodies, and cell and gene therapies.
Importantly, the department facilitates the entire innovation pipeline—from discovery-led research to application-oriented studies and scale-up—ensuring cost-effective solutions for improved health outcomes through collaboration between industry and academia.
UMMID Initiative Addresses Genetic Disorders
To address the growing burden of inherited disorders, DBT launched the Unique Methods for Management of Inherited Disorders (UMMID) initiative.
A major component of this programme involves establishing NIDAN Kendras (National Inherited Disorders Administration Kendras). These centres provide comprehensive clinical care, including prenatal testing for genetic disorders, newborn screening for treatable metabolic conditions, and genetic counselling for high-risk pregnancies.
Genomics and AI Strengthen TB Control
Further strengthening genomics-driven healthcare, DBT supports the Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance Consortium (InTGS) programme. This initiative aims to catalogue existing and emerging drug-resistance mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
By leveraging genomics and artificial intelligence, InTGS enables faster and more comprehensive detection of drug resistance. Consequently, it supports evidence-based strategies for effective tuberculosis control and management.
PRIP Scheme Boosts Pharma and MedTech Innovation
At the same time, the Department of Pharmaceuticals implements the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme to strengthen innovation across the healthcare ecosystem.
The scheme supports projects across the entire innovation lifecycle—from early-stage research to product development and commercialisation. It provides financial assistance to industries, MSMEs, and start-ups for eligible R&D projects involving new medicines, complex generics, biosimilars, and novel medical devices, undertaken independently or in collaboration with academic institutions.
Free Precision Oncology Diagnostics Through DIAMOnDS
In the field of cancer care, the Department of Health Research (DHR) has implemented the DHR-ICMR Advanced Molecular Oncology Diagnostic Services (DIAMOnDS) scheme.
Through a network of 25 DIAMOnDS centres across the country, the scheme provides free advanced molecular oncopathology diagnostics to poor and needy lung and breast cancer patients. As a result, it enables biomarker-based precision and personalised treatment for cancer patients.
In addition, DHR, through its Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn) unit, supports cost-effectiveness studies to integrate affordable advanced technologies into national health programmes.
ICMR Promotes Indigenous High-Risk Innovation
DHR, through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), promotes indigenous innovation by supporting high-risk, high-reward research. This support spans the translation of diagnostics, drugs, biologics, and medical devices from proof-of-concept to product development, including patient-specific and targeted therapies.
These efforts are complemented by national facilities such as mPRAGATI at IIT Delhi, which supports precision design, fabrication, testing, and validation of advanced health technologies.
Capacity Building and Regulatory Support Strengthened
Furthermore, DHR supports capacity building in personalised medicine and advanced technologies through its Human Resource Development (HRD) scheme.
ICMR also facilitates faster product translation through initiatives such as MedTech Mitra, Patent Mitra, and the Clinical Trial Network – INTENT, which provide regulatory handholding and clinical trial support. Together, these mechanisms help accelerate the development of effective health solutions for public benefit.
Ethical Frameworks Guide Advanced Biomedical Research
Importantly, ICMR has played a central role in shaping India’s ethical research ecosystem. It has issued national ethical guidelines governing biomedical research, biobanking, genomic data use, and secondary analysis of clinical samples.
Additionally, ICMR has co-developed national guidelines for gene therapy product development and oversight, creating a clear and facilitative pathway for advanced and targeted therapies.
Statement Made in Parliament
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, shared these details in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on February 6, 2026.