Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Kolkata, a renowned healthcare provider committed to innovation and patient-centric care, has proudly inaugurated the Apollo Genomics Institute (AGI) in the city. This significant move reflects Apollo’s unwavering dedication to advancing genetic healthcare and personalized medicine.
The Apollo Genomics Institute, originally established in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai, has now expanded its footprint to Kolkata. Its primary focus is to address the growing prevalence of genetic disorders and the imperative for early disease identification and prevention in the region.
The launch event in Kolkata featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director of the Apollo Hospitals Group; Dr. Mahesh Kumar Goenka, Director of Gastrosciences and Medical Education; and Dr. Rohit Bhojaraj, Vice President of Children, Genomics, and Clinical Operations. The event included a symbolic lamp-lighting ceremony, signifying the initiation of a new era in genomic medicine.
Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, highlighted the transformative potential of genomic medicine in India’s diverse landscape. She emphasized the increasing awareness among individuals regarding the value of genomic tests in preventing and diagnosing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and genetic disorders. The expansion of the Genomics Institute is seen as a critical step in addressing NCDs, a significant public health challenge in India and globally.
Ms. Suneeta Reddy, MD of Apollo Hospitals Group, underscored the importance of bringing patients to the forefront of decision-making in their health journey. She emphasized the role of real-world data and patient-centric analytics in providing deeper insights into diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. The Apollo Genomics Institute’s focus on preventive care and personalized medicine aligns with the goal of building a more resilient and healthier society.
India, with 20% of the global population, contributes only 0.2% to the global genetic database. In response, the Apollo Genomic Network plans to launch a genomic variant database to securely collate and manage the generated genomic data. The Pan-Apollo Genomics Network is actively engaged in academic and research activities, conducting weekly case discussions, peer-to-peer learning, monthly grand rounds, journal clubs, and healthcare seminar series.
As non-communicable diseases remain a leading cause of death in India, accounting for 65% of deaths, Apollo is committed to prioritizing preventive healthcare. The Apollo Genomics Institute aims to transform the future of healthcare in India by providing access to precision and personalized medical care.