Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Genomic Biobank

In a landmark move to transform Indian healthcare, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and CSIR Vice President, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the advanced Phenome India “National Biobank” at CSIR-IGIB in New Delhi. This pioneering facility is set to become the foundation for personalized medicine, genomic research, and long-term health surveillance across the country.

The National Biobank aims to create an expansive and diverse health data repository that includes genomic, clinical, and lifestyle information from over 10,000 individuals across India. By doing so, it will enable scientists to understand and decode the complex interplay between genes, environment, and disease, tailored specifically to the Indian population. This initiative draws inspiration from the globally renowned UK Biobank, but is uniquely designed to reflect India’s extraordinary demographic, geographic, and ethnic diversity.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked, “Today, we hold the promise of a future where every Indian may receive individualised treatment tailored to their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment.” He emphasized that the dream of personalized healthcare is no longer futuristic—it is becoming a tangible reality backed by indigenous scientific innovation.

Addressing Unique Indian Health Challenges

India, with its diverse population and unique epidemiological patterns, faces specific health challenges that generic global datasets often fail to address. Dr. Singh cited the high prevalence of central obesity among Indians, noting that even seemingly lean individuals often carry unhealthy levels of abdominal fat—an often overlooked risk factor for chronic diseases. “Our conditions are complex and deeply heterogeneous. This is where the Biobank becomes vital—it allows us to decode that complexity,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted how India is rapidly evolving from being a passive recipient of global scientific knowledge to becoming an active innovator and leader. He pointed to major strides in areas such as quantum technology, CRISPR-based genome editing, and the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), positioning India among the early adopters and innovators in global science.

A New Era in Indian Research and Collaboration

The Biobank will form the core of the Phenome India Project—a long-term, cohort-based study aimed at tracking health patterns over time. It will enable researchers to investigate the origins and progression of diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and rare genetic disorders, while advancing diagnostic precision, therapeutic approaches, and preventive healthcare strategies.

Dr. Singh called for stronger collaboration between research institutions, government agencies like the Department of Biotechnology, and private industry. “Research must extend beyond the lab—it must find takers in the market and beneficiaries in society,” he urged, underlining the importance of translational research and real-world applications.

CSIR’s Vision: Indigenous Data for Global Impact

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, hailed the launch of the Biobank as a bold step toward self-reliance in health data. She called it a “baby step” with the potential to grow into a global benchmark. She praised CSIR’s ongoing efforts in fields like affordable diagnostics, tribal healthcare outreach, sickle cell anaemia treatment through CRISPR, and stressed the importance of using local data to solve local health problems.

IGIB’s Legacy and Future Aspirations

Dr. Souvik Maiti, Director of CSIR-IGIB, emphasized the institute’s trailblazing contributions to Indian genomics, recalling, “We were the first institute in India to embark on decoding the human genome at a time when sequencing tools were virtually unavailable.” He went on to highlight IGIB’s remarkable legacy, which includes:

• 300+ genetic diagnostics for rare disorders
• India’s first drug genome project
• Extensive COVID-19 genome sequencing
• Active research in breast cancer genomics and women’s health
• Development of CRISPR-based therapies for sickle cell disease
• Ongoing research in space biology and AI-driven pilot fitness evaluation in collaboration with the Indian Air Force.

Looking Ahead: India as a Genomic Powerhouse

The inauguration of the Phenome India Biobank represents more than just a scientific milestone—it symbolizes a national commitment to data-driven, people-centric healthcare. As India leverages its scientific strengths, this Biobank will serve not only as a repository of samples but as a living archive of India’s health narrative, shaping policies, innovations, and treatments for generations to come.

By capturing India’s genetic diversity in its truest sense, the National Biobank holds the promise to revolutionize Indian healthcare, putting it on par with, or potentially ahead of, global counterparts. As Dr. Singh rightly said, “India is no longer lagging—we are leading with purpose, innovation, and inclusivity.”