The Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM), the state government-run organisation to boost the biotech sector, is working towards optimising use of its recently launched Genetic Diagnostic Centre – GenDiCe – by launching helplines for general public and seminars for doctors related to importance and requirements of genetic diagnostics, soon.

The centre is planning to launch helplines both online and a toll-free number, which would be widely advertised for maximum reach, for the common public as part of efforts to spread awareness about the importance of genetic diagnostics to curb certain related disease otherwise ignored by them. The online support system will be ready with the website for the centre being completed and the helpline number is expected to be out in next 15 days, said a source.

“Certain health disorders could be identified early only through genetic analysis. For instance, disease like thalassemia and down syndrome could be tracked down through genetic diagnostics, but awareness about such testing methods are less known to public. Our plan is to spread awareness among public as well as train doctors and health workers on genetic diagnostics,” said Madhvi Joshi, joint director, GenDiCe and sector specialist, pharma & healthcare, GSBTM.

The mission will also display a list of common symptoms which calls for genetic testing, through primary health centres and community health centres across the state. The helpline would cater more information to the laymen who come across the display, thus enabling the mission to cover more number of population for early diagnostics of genetic disorders.

The mission has developed an extended hands on training for doctors and researchers on genetic testings for which certain skills are not usually provided for routine tests. The 15-day multi-institutional workshop is expected to take place in September 2010, along with a seminar for doctors on genetic diagnostics, she added.

The mission has launched its first genetic diagnostic centre in collaboration with the Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, early this year with an intention to use tools of biotechnology and modern techniques to help and improve life of common people. The government induced Rs 40 lakh for setting up the organizational structure of the centre, according to GSBTM reports. The mission has issued Rs 93 lakh out of total Rs 198 lakh project estimate as first year financial support to the centre and the centre has already recruited technical manpower for the centre.

The genetic studies would not only diagnose genetic disorders using advanced technologies but also identify genetically predisposed population who are at high risk for the disease, which is totally lacking in the state presently. No such data for the region is available at present and the study would be first step towards a community based genetic study in Gujarat state. This would not only benefit patients for redesigning their treatment but also will be valuable for the forth coming generations in terms of having vital knowledge about their genetic status for any given disorder and also in managing prophylactic treatment for the same, announces the mission.