KEM Hospital Pune launches Multidisciplinary Medical Genetics Department
Pune: KEM Hospital has announced the
launch of a groundbreaking multidisciplinary Medical Genetics department, a
first-of-its-kind in Pune. This new department features speciality clinics in
reproductive genetics, cancer genetics, neurogenetics, and nephrogenetics,
which are currently available only at a few healthcare facilities across
the country.
The inauguration of the Medical Genetics
department was marked by the presence of Dr X K Coyaji, Medical Director of
KEM Pune, and Dr V M Joshi, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at KEM
Pune. The department will offer an extensive array of laboratory tests and
genetic counselling services all in one place. These services will be
provided under the expert guidance and supervision of renowned geneticists Dr
Meenal Agarwal, Dr Chaitanya Datar, and Dr Manisha Doiphode.
The reproductive genetics clinic will offer
preconception genetic testing for couples planning pregnancy, as well as
genetic tests for pregnant women and couples with a family history of
developmental delays, autism, and other conditions. The cancer genetics clinic
will provide genetic testing for individuals with a family history of cancer to
assess their risk levels and enable preventive measures. It will also offer
genetic testing of cancer tissue for patients already diagnosed with cancer to
determine the best treatment and targeted therapies.
Dr Meenal Agarwal, medical geneticist, KEM Pune,
told Hindustan Times, “The medical genetics department will work along with the departments of
oncology, nephrology, neurology, obstetrics and gynaecology, IVF and foetal
medicine (assisted reproductive therapy/ART) and paediatrics to offer
comprehensive genetic testing services and pre-and post-test counselling.”
In the neurogenetics clinic, individuals with
seizure disorders or metabolic disorders can undergo genetic testing to
identify specific drugs or therapies tailored to their genetic defects. The
nephrogenetics clinic will offer specialized services for kidney-related
genetic conditions.
Dr Agarwal emphasized that genetic tests are
primarily blood tests, but they are complex and do not yield simple ‘yes’ or
‘no’ answers. The results require careful interpretation by experienced
professionals. “A majority of genetic disorders occur when there is no
family history. Genetic testing is not only for the betterment of the next
generation but also helps in the treatment of affected individuals undergoing
genetic testing which is what we want to emphasise,” she said.
Dr Madhur Rao, Senior Deputy Medical
Administrator at KEM Pune, and Shirin Wadia, General Administrator at KEM Pune,
expressed their enthusiasm for the new Medical Genetics department. They
believe that this development represents a significant milestone for the
hospital and the healthcare sector in Pune. It showcases KEM Hospital’s
commitment to expanding multidisciplinary services and ensuring that quality
healthcare is accessible at reasonable costs.
The establishment of the Medical Genetics
department at KEM Hospital is expected to greatly enhance the healthcare
services available in Pune, providing advanced diagnostic and treatment options
to patients with complex genetic conditions.
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