PGIMER Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Government of Punjab, has launched the DBT-UMMID initiative to enhance healthcare services for genetic disorders in Moga, an Aspirational District of Punjab.
Funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, this three-year project aims to provide comprehensive genetic screening and interventions for the local population, with a focus on women and newborns.
While reviewing the progress of schemes of the health department, Deputy Commissioner Mr Vishesh Sarangal said that this initiative would significantly strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of Civil Hospital Moga, making advanced genetic testing and timely medical care more accessible.
For the people of Moga, the project promises improved early detection, leading to better health outcomes for both mothers and newborns. By addressing genetic health risks at the earliest stages, it aims to save lives and reduce the long-term burden of untreated genetic disorders on families and the healthcare system.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Civil Surgeon and other officers to appoint nodal officers at CHC and PHC levels for the effective implementation of this project. Training of the staff should be conducted.
Ms Pratishtha Sharma, representative of PGIMER, informed that over the next three years, nearly 30,000 antenatal care (ANC) women in Moga will be screened for HbA2 levels using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
If both partners are identified as carriers of a genetic disorder thalassemia, prenatal testing will be conducted at PGIMER to assess any potential risks. Additionally, almost 15000 newborns will undergo screening for common, treatable genetic disorders, including Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Galactosemia, G6PD Deficiency Biotinidase Deficiency using dried blood spots (DBS) in next 3 years.
Early detection of these conditions is crucial, as timely interventions can prevent severe health complications and save lives. Earlier, while reviewing the performance of the Health Department, the Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal directed the Health Department officials to make special efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality rate and home deliveries as well as increase ANC registration.
He said that ASHA workers should go door to door to make people aware of getting their deliveries done in government hospitals. The need to train ASHA workers in this regard was also emphasized. He said that strict action should be taken against midwives (Dayies) and private doctors who do home deliveries.
The patient referral policy should be implemented properly. He said that he would continue to review the performance of the Health Department from time to time. Mrs Charumita ADC (G) among other officials were also present in the meeting.