Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (KDAH) in association with Positive Bioscience have launched Mumbai’s first Personal Genomics Clinic that will offer personal genome testing. The personal genomics test is the most advanced, most comprehensive, one-time test that can help healthy individuals identify their health risks and empower them to become active participants in their own heath care. Positive Bioscience is currently the only company in India to offer such an advanced and sophisticated genetic test.
With a coverage of over 1000 diseases including cancer, heart disease, neurological conditions, diabetes etc. the Personal Genomics Clinic will set unprecedented standards in medical technology and preventive medicine in India.
With this launch of Mumbai's first personal genomics clinic, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (KDAH) now joins the elite group of hospitals in the world including Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and Stanford, that incorporate personal genomics into medical practice.
Personal Genome Test reports will be made available during a face-to-face, client-centered genetic counseling appointment at KDAH that will last between 30 to 60 minutes with an aim to facilitate in-depth understanding of the report and its implications towards developing an individualised preventive plan for “at-risk” diseases. This is being spearheaded by a genetic counselor trained at Johns Hopkins University, USA, with expertise in both medical genetics and psychological counselling.
For one week only, starting September 29, 2014, all packages will be offered at a 10 per cent discount to support the cause of preventive medicine for diseases that are becoming increasingly common in urban areas like Mumbai. We expect about 200 to 300 people to take advantage of this test during the first week. Angelina Jolie led the way in using technology to beat cancer and now Mumbai can too.
Speaking on this launch, Tina Ambani, chairperson of Kokilaben Hospital said, “We feel proud to launch this cutting-edge technology for Personal Genomics at our hospital as an initiative of preventive healthcare. I am looking forward to map my own personal genomics and use it as roadmap to monitor my future health needs.”
Dr. Santosh Shetty, executive director & COO, added “India lags behind the western world when it comes to disease prevention. One of the important criterions in the launch of this clinic is to bridge this existing gap. It is now well established that Kokilaben Hospital has always ensured bridging gaps in the area of healthcare in Mumbai, be it in technology or clinical services.”
Samarth Jain, chief executive officer, of Positive Bioscience says, “Advancements in Genomics are making it possible to shift the focus of medicine from treatment to prevention by personalised strategies. I am really excited with this one-stop Genomics Test Clinic at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital where Mumbai residents can now have access to advanced scientific technology, world class facilities and leading doctors all under one roof, and be proactive partners in their own heath care.”
Dr. Santosh Shetty & Samarth Jain feel positive that this collaboration will help increase life expectancy, provide risk assessment for disease, and will revolutionize heath care by launching personalised medicine tailored to every individual’s unique DNA.