Latest news with #Non-InvasivePrenatalTesting
Hans India
14-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Fatherhood redefined: Strength, sensitivity, and science
Fatherhood is evolving. Today, more men are stepping beyond the traditional roles of provider or protector to become deeply involved in the emotional and physical well-being of their families. From hands-on parenting to supporting their partners, modern men are redefining what it means to be a father – active, nurturing, and fully engaged in the journey of raising a family. As fathers take on more holistic roles in parenting, there's also a growing recognition of the importance of understanding family health history and genetics to ensure their family's well-being. Each of us inherits half of our genes from each parent, creating a unique genetic blueprint that not only shapes our physical traits, behaviors, and health conditions but also influences what we pass on to the next generation. With rising awareness of inherited health conditions and the importance of early intervention, many are now taking steps that were once considered to be solely in the domain of maternal healthcare. From preconception planning to active co-parenting and prenatal support to taking proactive measures for their own health, this Father's Day, let us look at the ways men are actively participating in the parenthood journey to help ensure a healthier future for their families. Fatherhood and Family Health Traditionally, pregnancy and childcare have been associated with women in most Indian families. However, with rising awareness around inherited diseases and greater access to genetic counseling and testing, men are increasingly stepping into more active roles, particularly during the preconception and prenatal stages. Genetic tests offer valuable insights not only into an individual's health but also into potential hereditary risks for children inheriting health conditions from their parents. Role of the Father in the Pregnancy Journey Planning for pregnancy A simple blood test for couples planning to have children can reveal if they are both carriers of the same condition and their offspring are at risk of inheriting it. Some conditions may not show symptoms, but identifying whether an individual carries genetic mutations for specific inherited disorders such as thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), or cystic fibrosis helps couples make informed decisions about potential use of prenatal testing or other reproductive options. Carrier screening can help prevent or manage the potential emotional and financial challenges for the family. Supporting and Making Informed Pregnancy Decisions Understanding and actively supporting screenings during the pregnancy journey is a vital part of being a supportive partner and an involved expectant father. Encouraging and supporting Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), which screens common chromosomal abnormalities early in pregnancy, ensures better management of a child's genetic health and early intervention wherever possible. Fathers can help in making thoughtful, evidence-based decisions during this critical stage, laying the foundation for a healthier future for both the child and the family. Understanding and Managing Own Health Men with a family history of chronic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes can undergo genetic predisposition tests that provide insights into inherited risks of developing these conditions. These insights can empower individuals to take proactive steps through targeted lifestyle changes and personalized medical interventions. Taking charge of their own health fosters a culture of preventive care and informed decision-making regarding the health and well-being of the entire family. Driving the Cultural Shift Becoming more aware of the early health options available today is not just a medical decision, but a reflection of proactive fatherhood. It signifies foresight, accountability, and care. In this journey, genetic counselors play a critical role in guiding individuals and couples through these tests, interpreting results, and offering next steps in line with their goals. This Father's Day, let's celebrate not just the role, but the responsibility of fatherhood – one that's informed, involved, and inspired by science. (The writer is a, Senior Director, Lab Operations, MedGenome)
Hans India
28-04-2025
- Health
- Hans India
AIIMS Jammu launches centre for advanced genomics, precision medicine to boost cancer care
Jammu: The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu on Monday launched the Centre for Advanced Genomics and Precision Medicine to boost affordable, precision-driven cancer care with advanced Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. The Centre, developed in collaboration with oncology company 4baseCare, is equipped with the Illumina NextSeq 2000 sequencing machine, offering comprehensive genomic profiling for cancer patients. The powerful technology enables clinicians to design highly personalised, targeted treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique molecular profile. AIIMS Jammu announced its collaboration with 4baseCare in January. 'For every patient we treat, we are treating a mother, a father, a sister, or a brother. This partnership is our promise to every family who walks through our doors that we will do everything in our power to bring them the care they deserve,' Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu. 'By integrating cutting-edge genomic data with AI-powered diagnostics, the Centre is poised to significantly improve early disease detection, refine therapy choices, and minimise ineffective treatments -- ultimately enhancing both patient outcomes and quality of life,' said Dr. Sudharshan Elangovan, Vice President – Global Operations at 4baseCare. Traditionally, access to such advanced genomic testing has been prohibitively expensive for many patients. However, with this initiative, high-quality NGS-based tests will now be made available at affordable costs, paving the way for greater inclusivity in precision oncology across India. Further solidifying its role as a national referral hub, the Centre will accept samples from patients and healthcare providers across the country, ensuring that cutting-edge molecular diagnostics are accessible, regardless of geographical barriers. The Centre will focus on targeted, biomarker-driven therapies, enabling personalised treatment plans to improve outcomes and quality of life of cancer patients. Using genomics the facility also aims to tackle rare diseases. And to boost healthier pregnancies, the centre will integrate cutting-edge genetic technologies such as Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD).
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Vgenomics, Meril Genomics partner to improve access to genomic diagnostics in India
New Delhi: Precision health company Vgenomics announced their partnership with diagnostics and molecular biology provider Meril Genomics to provide complementary advanced genomic diagnostics to hospitals and research centers throughout India. The partnership aims to enhance precision medicine accessibility. Initiatives under this partnership include Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), which addresses the growing risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, especially among expectant mothers with advanced maternal age. NIPT will facilitate early detection, contributing to safer pregnancies and healthier newborn outcomes across India. In addition, the collaboration introduces targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (tNGS) for Tuberculosis (TB), significantly impacting India's healthcare landscape, where roughly 26% of Global TB cases occur annually. The initiative also includes Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) for diagnosing rare diseases, addressing the needs of approximately 70 million affected individuals in India. Dr. Rahila Sardar, CEO of Vgenomics, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making precision medicine available to more patients, more efficiently.
Mid East Info
10-02-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
KFSHRC Detects 276 Fetal Genetic Disorders Through Prenatal Care Saving SAR 360 Million Annually - Middle East Business News and Information
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) is enhancing prenatal care through innovation and precision medicine. By testing more than 300 genes, KFSHRC has provided early insights to 1,104 pregnant women, preventing 276 genetic disorders and saving the Saudi healthcare system 360 million riyals. KFSHRC's Preventive Fetal Screening Program identifies genetic risks and ensures targeted care during critical pregnancy stages. Paired with technologies like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), these advancements enhance the precision and safety of prenatal diagnostics, benefiting 1,500 families annually. The Program has expanded its capacity to detect more than 500 additional genetic diseases, equipping families with early insights, reducing the birth of new-borns with severe genetic diseases, and improving overall offspring outcomes and well-being. From screenings to therapeutic procedures and advanced surgical interventions, KFSHRC ensures well-being and trust remain at its core, shaping a healthier future for families. These efforts were recognised in 2023 when the prenatal department won a Performance Improvement Award for improving the patient experience through care accessibility and innovation. It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15 th globally in the list of the world's top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year and has been recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, it was included in the World's Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine.
Zawya
10-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
KFSHRC detects 276 fetal genetic disorders through prenatal care saving SAR 360mln annually
Riyadh: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) is enhancing prenatal care through innovation and precision medicine. By testing more than 300 genes, KFSHRC has provided early insights to 1,104 pregnant women, preventing 276 genetic disorders and saving the Saudi healthcare system 360 million riyals. KFSHRC's Preventive Fetal Screening Program identifies genetic risks and ensures targeted care during critical pregnancy stages. Paired with technologies like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), these advancements enhance the precision and safety of prenatal diagnostics, benefiting 1,500 families annually. The Program has expanded its capacity to detect more than 500 additional genetic diseases, equipping families with early insights, reducing the birth of new-borns with severe genetic diseases, and improving overall offspring outcomes and well-being. From screenings to therapeutic procedures and advanced surgical interventions, KFSHRC ensures well-being and trust remain at its core, shaping a healthier future for families. These efforts were recognised in 2023 when the prenatal department won a Performance Improvement Award for improving the patient experience through care accessibility and innovation. It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally in the list of the world's top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year and has been recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, it was included in the World's Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine. For more information, visit or contact our media team at mediacoverage@
