The Indian bioinformatics industry, claimed to have the potential to capture 5% of the global market, is heading for a crisis in the absence of adequate number of trained professionals in this sector. Lack of infrastructure and other facilities at the institutes offering bioinformatics courses are the main reasons for this state of affairs. According to a recent study, more than 30,000 students are passing out every year from different institutes under various regular and distant learning programmes.

In the Indian scenario, the present courses of bioinformatics, wherein more focus is needed on practical sessions, is neglected by shortage of required instruments in various institutes, which makes the practical sessions in vain. The commercial softwares are not readily available with the institution as they are said to be comparatively expensive. The lack of co-ordination between private and government institutions creates a gap in conducting the courses.

According to the recent CII and DIT study report, the industry strongly feels that the available manpower is sufficient, but it seriously lacks in terms of skills. The report says that the industry attaches great importance to the level of experience of a candidate. The report finds that the industry wants experienced personnel rather than fresh graduates. Therefore, the institutes should include practical training in their curriculum so that the students get hands on experience during their education period. The Indian bioinformatics market, which is only 2.5% of the global market, has the potential to capture 5% of the global pie, said the study.

According to Vijay Shukla, Director, Bioinformatics institute of India, the courses in bioinformatics in India are mainly based on theory and not on practical exposure so far. Moreover, government is also lacking initiative for promoting education in private sectors. DBT and DST are not giving any support to the Institutes. Lack of fellowship and research support are provided for the private institute's candidates. Most of the government Research institutes like NBRC do not allow private students for training and research programs. So, it is recommended that government should encourage the private institutes and provide them with necessary support, he noted.

Bioinformatics is already an established field education in the west. Students are fully aware of its opportunities and implications. In abroad, trained faculties and required infrastructure is readily available. Practical exposure is provided to the students alongside theoretical course modules, he said.

In foreign universities, bioinformatics program emphasizes molecular biology, with topics ranging from sequence, structure and function analysis to the context of algorithms, database and visualization. In the developed countries, unlike in India there is availability of right faculty; appropriate research support, adequate funding, proper fellowships and a good course structure, Dr Shukla added.

In India, Bioinformatics Department is governed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). In most of the institutes Bioinformatics dept is headed by the professionals with biotech background, wherein it is recommended to have bioinformatics trained professionals, who have a better understanding of the subject.

Dr Shukla said, "To make the situation better government should take initiative to help private institutions to provide their students with practical exposure and provide funding for Infrastructure Development. The Industrial collaborations between Institutes and Bioinformatics Industry should be implemented."

The institutes conducting Post-Graduation courses in bioinformatics in the country include - Pune University; Jamia Millia Islamia university; Sikkim Manipal University; SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur; International Institute of Information Technology at Hyderabad; Bharathiar University; Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore; Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology; Bharathidasan university; University of Madras; University of Allahabad. The fee-structure for courses in India ranges from 20000-100000 per year.