New Delhi – India has launched a comprehensive program aimed at tackling the challenges posed by rare genetic disorders, marking a significant step towards personalized and genome-based healthcare. The UMMID (Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders) program was inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who emphasized the importance of timely interventions and accessible treatment for these often-neglected conditions.
Dr. Singh highlighted that inherited and rare genetic disorders have historically been overlooked due to difficulties in diagnosis, inaccessible treatment options, and the high cost of available medicines. The UMMID program seeks to address these issues by establishing a coordinated national mechanism that makes diagnosis and management feasible, affordable, and accessible to all families. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that this initiative is poised to transform the landscape of genetic healthcare in India.
Describing UMMID as a major leap towards precision medicine, Dr. Singh stated that the initiative will also prepare the nation’s healthcare system for the evolving field of gene and genome-based medical care. He made these remarks during a special function organized by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi, where he dedicated the UMMID Network to the nation. The event also included the release of the UMMID Compendium and the launch of the UMMID Dashboard, tools designed to enhance nationwide access to diagnostics, counseling, outreach, and program monitoring for inherited disorders.
The event witnessed the presence of key figures such as Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology and Director General of BRIC, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, along with Senior Advisor at DBT, Dr. Suchita Ninawe. Also in attendance were senior scientists, clinicians, healthcare professionals, representatives from UMMID implementing institutions, and officials from various scientific and healthcare organizations across the country.
Dr. Singh also spoke about the healthcare reforms implemented under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership over the past decade, noting the government’s commitment to affordable, accessible, preventive, and citizen-centric healthcare. He noted India’s progress in expanding wellness centers, strengthening health insurance coverage, and broadening access to affordable medicines, all while building systems for early detection and preventive healthcare measures.
The Minister emphasized that inherited and rare genetic disorders represent a significant public health concern, often causing emotional, social, and financial hardships for affected families. He stressed that these disorders deserve the same level of national attention and healthcare sensitivity as any other major disease burden, even though they affect comparatively smaller populations.
Drawing from his background as a medical professional, Dr. Singh explained that rare genetic disorders have traditionally received limited attention in mainstream medical education and healthcare practice due to their low prevalence and complex diagnosis processes. This has resulted in delayed diagnoses, a lack of awareness, and inadequate access to treatment for patients. According to Dr. Singh, India’s vast genetic diversity further complicates the challenge, necessitating a robust ecosystem that includes early screening, genetic diagnostics, prenatal counseling, clinician training, and community outreach.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology and Director General of BRIC, noted that the UMMID initiative has instilled hope in many families through scientific intervention, collaborative biotechnology research, and early diagnosis. He added that India’s genetic diversity presents substantial opportunities for scientific innovation and translational healthcare solutions that are relevant both in India and globally.
Earlier in the event, Dr. Suchita Ninawe welcomed the attendees and highlighted the UMMID program’s role in strengthening India’s response to inherited genetic disorders. She explained that the program achieves this by enhancing access to genetic diagnostics, counseling, and capacity-building, as well as creating an integrated nationwide network for the management of rare and inherited diseases through coordinated institutional partnerships. The Daily Excelsior reported that Dr. Ninawe said, “The initiative has helped create an integrated nationwide network for management of rare and inherited diseases through coordinated institutional partnerships.”
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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