Dr Jitendra Singh addresses ICMR-India Diabetes and Joint Diabetes prog at Kashmir University
Highlights the pivotal role played by the ‘GenomIndia’ project, one of the flagship initiatives of the DBT
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh said, India is a role model for the world for its integrated approach in preventive healthcare and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making India a world leader in ‘Preventive Healthcare’ by enabling Indian scientists to develop first-ever DNA Vaccine for covid and provide it to the other countries.
The minister also emphasised the importance of preventing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and other lifestyle disorders in the young. Dr Singh was addressing the ICMR-India Diabetes and Joint Diabetes programme at Kashmir University and the valedictory function of ‘Genomics towards Better Health’ Event.
During his address, Dr Singh said, “Biotech start-ups are crucial to India’s future economy as Biotechnology as awakened by PM Modi has its own merits and potential to lead India. “India’s bio-economy was just about $8 billion in 2014 and now under Prime Minister Narendra Modi we have at least awakened to the merits of Biotechnology and Bioeconomy which has grown up to $100 billion, we are targeting $150 billion by 2025,” Dr Jitendra Singh added.
Dr Singh, in his speech, commended the organisers for orchestrating a well-designed and highly scientific programme that delved into topics of current importance, laying the groundwork for breakthroughs in the field of genomics. He emphasised that genomics is no longer confined to the realm of research but has a profound impact on precision and personalised medicine. India, he noted, is making significant strides in comprehending the role of genetics across various domains, particularly in healthcare.
Highlighting the pivotal role played by the ‘GenomIndia’ project, one of the flagship initiatives of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Dr Singh appreciated the efforts of Dr Ashraf Ganie leading the project, which is poised to improve our understanding and research further in the field.
Addressing the gathering Dr Singh said that both the institutions, CSIR and Kashmir University jointly collaborating for a project, have a rich legacy and have marched with the times along with the journey of independent India.
Dr Singh closed his address by underlining the pressing need for more such innovative programmes and institutions for non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes. He stressed the necessity of dedicated diabetes institutions for research and training, ultimately contributing to better healthcare and well-being for all.
The valedictory function at Kashmir University marked an important milestone in the journey toward leveraging genomics for better health and tackling the diabetes epidemic that looms large on the horizon.
PIB
