CCMB, CDFD to conduct mass screening for genetic diseases

CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) on 3 June. The MoU aims to enable better ways of diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders. 
CCMB and CDFD, the premier national institutes, are involved in the cutting edge biological research in the area of genetic disorders. Both the institutes have been offering genetic diagnostic services for the past 20 years.

Objectives:
To Provide good quality of DNA based diagnostic services to the public at lower costs
Develop newer diagnostic methods
Involve in scientific research to improve understanding of human genetic disorders

Rerports on genetic disorders:
It has been estimated that more than 50 lakh babies are born each year with genetic disease in India. Most of these disorders are presently untreatable and for those which can be treated, the treatment is very expensive. For now, the problem can be addressed by the preventive approach which requires prenatal diagnosis and genetic counselling.
The rapid advancements in technology have recently caused tremendous changes in the field of Genetics. 
The introduction of an affordable and efficient DNA sequencing technology will improve the understanding of human disease, enabling better ways of diagnosis and treatment.