 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 23: The AIIMS Jammu-4baseCare Centre for Advanced Genomics and Precision Medicine has reached a major milestone by delivering more than 125 patient reports. The centre was inaugurated on February 2, 2025, by Shri Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister of Science and Technology and became fully operationalised since mid-June 2025.
The Centre, a collaborative effort between AIIMS Jammu and Infosys backed Bengaluru-based healthtech company 4baseCare, was set up with a clear mission: to bring world-class genetic testing within reach of Indian patients at more affordable cost.
Until now, advanced genomic tests for cancer were largely sent abroad, costing families anywhere between ?3-5 lakh. Even local providers charged ?1.5-2.5 lakh for similar comprehensive tests. The new Centre has brought this cost down to almost one-fourth, making it possible for more Indian families to benefit from precision medicine. At the heart of this effort is Indiegene, India's first population-specific cancer gene panel, developed through local research and recognized as a Made in India DeepTech innovation. Launched during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Indiegene ensures that Indian patients receive test results tailored to their unique genetic makeup.
In just three months, the Centre has served patients from 17 states and union territories, covering more than 15 different cancer types, including lung, breast, ovarian, stomach, pancreatic, gallbladder, and head and neck cancers.
At a recent review meeting chaired by Prof (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, the decision was taken to expand the Centre's offerings beyond oncology. Dr. Gupta noted that India records a large number of inherited and rare disorders, making it critical for the Centre to address broader healthcare needs.
With this expansion, the Centre will not only provide genomics-based differential diagnosis for rare and inherited diseases but also establish itself as a reference centre for India and neighbouring countries.
The same technology that helps doctors find the right treatment for cancer patients can also help diagnose rare inherited diseases and guide family health planning.
Some of the key areas include:
Women's Health - Carrier screening for couples, newborn screening for early detection of rare genetic disorders, and testing for unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.
Brain and Nerves - Genetic insights into epilepsy, developmental delays in children, and rare neurological syndromes.
Heart Health - Identifying inherited heart conditions such as cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias and assessing sudden cardiac arrest risk in young individuals.
Child Health - Explaining the causes of congenital anomalies, growth delays, and metabolic disorders, helping doctors intervene at the right stage.
Eye Disorders - Testing for inherited eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, congenital blindness, and other hereditary retinal conditions.
By moving into these areas, the Centre is shortening the "diagnostic odyssey"-the years of uncertainty many families face when dealing with unexplained health issues. Early and accurate diagnosis means better treatment, more informed family planning, and reduced emotional and financial stress.
"This collaboration between AIIMS Jammu and 4baseCare shows how public-private partnerships can deliver world-class healthcare at affordable costs," said Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, "We are proving that Indian innovation can solve Indian problems while matching global standards .With initiatives like this, India is emerging as a global leader in precision medicine-an approach where healthcare is tailored to each person's unique genetic profile rather than a "one-size-fits-all" method," said Mr Hitesh Goswami, Co-founder and CEO, 4baseCare Precision Health Pvt Ltd.
For the people across India and abroad, the AIIMS Jammu-4baseCare Centre is more than just a laboratory. It represents a new hope-that advanced healthcare will no longer be limited to a privileged few, but accessible to every patient, every family, and every region of the country as well as neighbouring countries. |
