Jitendra Singh says India is entering a new era of genomics and gene therapy – The Indian Awaaz

theindianawaaz.com · Feb 21, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Last Updated on February 21, 2026 11:17 pm by SUDHIR KUMARUnion Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today said that AI-developed tools are set to eliminate subjectivity in medical diagnosis, ensuring more precise and specific treatment for patients. Addressing the gathering at Medllumina 2026 in New Delhi, Dr Singh said that over the past few decades, medical science has witnessed a transition from an era dominated by classical clinical learning to one driven by imaging and molecular tools, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI and now genomics.Referring to the shift, the Minister noted that earlier medical mastery depended solely on extensive reading, while today AI-enabled systems complement and enhance clinical judgement. Dr Singh further emphasised that India is entering a new era of genomics and gene therapy. He also mentioned the development of India’s first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, as evidence of the country’s growing life sciences capabilities. Under the Department of Biotechnology, large-scale genome sequencing initiatives are underway, with an initial target of sequencing one million individuals. Dr Singh also highlighted that the government has opened sectors such as space, nuclear medicine, and advanced health research to greater private participation, creating an enabling framework for innovation. He invited leading diagnostic institutions to collaborate with government research initiatives, stating that integrating public and private strengths will accelerate breakthroughs in areas such as nuclear medicine therapy and advanced oncology treatments.He said that personalised prescriptions based on genetic profiling, environmental factors and lifestyle determinants will become the norm in the coming decades. AI-driven diagnostic analytics, combined with genomic insights, will allow physicians to tailor treatments to individual patients rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. Connecting healthcare to the larger national vision, the Minister said that a robust diagnostics ecosystem, supported by AI, genomics and credible quality standards, will play a decisive role in ensuring that preventive and precision medicine become accessible to all. Post navigation