Unlock the mind of Mr Dinesh Chauhan, CEO at CORE Diagnostics: A Clinical Data Science Company with a Center-of-Excellence in High End Diagnostics, as he shares his wisdom and unique perspective in this exclusive interview.”
• Mr Dinesh Chauhan is a seasoned industry veteran with 25 years of rich experience in the Diagnostics Industry and has witnessed the transition of the industry from an un-organized to an organized sector. He started his exclusive diagnostic career in 1998 and has worked with all major diagnostic players in India including SRL Ranbaxy, Dr Lal Path Labs and Oncquest Laboratories
• He is passionate about building a great team of leaders with a consistent track record of delivering sustained business, he has won many accolades within and outside the organization for his business strategies and performance
• He holds a master’s degree in business management and a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Delhi University
How advancements in molecular diagnostics have revolutionized the healthcare and diagnostic industry?
Advancements in molecular diagnostics have significantly transformed the healthcare and diagnostic landscape in India. They allow for earlier, more accurate diagnoses of a wider range of diseases, leading to personalized treatment plans and improved patient outcomes. Molecular tests can diagnose a wider range of diseases, including infectious diseases (like COVID-19, TB, HIV), genetic disorders (like cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome), and even some cancers. This broadens the scope of diagnoses and improves patient care. The advancement has allowed the quicker turnaround for faster treatment initiation.
How have healthcare providers adapted to the integration of advanced molecular technologies into clinical practice, and what challenges have emerged in this transition?
India’s healthcare is embracing advanced molecular tests. Hospitals are utilizing them for faster diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. This revolutionizes disease management with early detection and targeted therapies. However, challenges like high equipment costs and a need for skilled personnel exist. Hospitals partner with diagnostic labs to address these hurdles. Training programs are also crucial to build a skilled workforce. Despite these challenges, Indian healthcare providers are actively adapting to integrate this transformative technology for better patient care. Covid has helped us, molecular diagnostic is available, but now the adoption has gone up multifold.
What are your comments on the democratization of next-generation sequencing, ensuring that these advanced technologies are accessible and affordable to a broader segment of the population?
Surely, NGS holds immense potential for public health and personalized medicine, but making it widely available (democratization) comes with challenges. By addressing the cost barriers, training gaps, and ethical concerns, we can make this powerful technology accessible to a broader population, ultimately leading to improved healthcare for all.
Democratizing NGS requires a thoughtful approach that balances its advantages with potential drawbacks. Technological advancements and public education can further empower broader utilization of NGS for a healthier future.
Outside of the technical aspects, how do you believe personalised medicine is reshaping the doctor-patient relationship, and what role does patient education play in this evolving landscape?
Personalized medicine creates a doctor-patient team, tailoring care to individual genes and lifestyle. This fosters deeper conversations and builds trust, but requires stronger patient education. Patients become active participants by understanding complex information about their health and collaborating on treatment plans. However, information overload and emotional impact of genetic data necessitate clear communication, support systems, and managing expectations. Overall, personalized medicine strengthens the doctor-patient relationship by making it more collaborative and patient-centered.
How do you see the economic viability of personalised medicine in the Indian healthcare landscape, particularly in comparison to traditional diagnostic approaches?
Personalized medicine promises targeted treatments and potentially lower healthcare costs in India, but economic viability remains a challenge. While it could reduce long-term spending by identifying optimal therapies, upfront costs for genetic testing and specialized treatments are high. Limited insurance coverage further restricts access for many. Traditional diagnostics are cheaper initially but may lead to unnecessary treatments and higher costs in the long run. Bridging the gap requires developing cost-effective tests, expanding insurance coverage for these interventions, and government involvement in subsidizing tests and promoting awareness. Overall, personalized medicine holds promise but navigating economic considerations is crucial for wider adoption in India.
