Pune: KEM Hospital, Pune launches first of its kind multidisciplinary Department of Medical Genetics In Pune. This department includes specialized clinics such as Reproductive Genetics, Cancer Genetics, Neurogenetics and Nephrogenetics. This will also include all types of laboratory tests and genetics. consulting services under one roof.

The Department of Medical Genetics was inaugurated by Dr. department involved specialized services Under the guidance of expert geneticists Dr. Meenal Aggarwal, Dr. Chaitanya Datar and Dr. Manisha Doifode.

This makes KEM Pune one of the few hospitals in the country to offer this facility.

Dr. Meenal Aggarwal, Medical Geneticist at KEM Pune, said the partnership of multiple departments across the hospital is the hallmark of this initiative. The Department of Medical Genetics will work with the departments of Oncology, Nephrology, Neurology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, IVF. and fetal therapy (assisted reproductive therapy – ART) and pediatrics, to offer comprehensive genetic testing Services and counseling before and after testing. Patients will be ensured comprehensive care under the guidance of their primary physician and the genetics team will help them with genetic testing, counseling and planning further management. An important feature of the department is pre- and post-test counselling.

Reproductive genetics will include pre-conception genetic testing for couples planning a pregnancy, genetic testing for pregnant couples and genetic testing for couples with a family history of specific developmental delays, autism, etc. Cancer genetics will include genetic testing for people with a family history to help find out their level. To explain the risks and help them take preventive actions. People with cancer may also undergo genetic testing of cancer tissue to determine the best course of treatment and targeted therapies.

Similarly, in neurogenetics, people with seizure disorders or metabolic disorders may undergo genetic testing that will help determine specific drugs or treatments, known as targeted therapies, for specific genetic defects.

Nephrogenetics will prove to be very helpful because most kidney disorders in children and many disorders in adults are genetic in origin. The department will help with genetic testing, formulating a plan for treatment, specific treatment protocols, and counseling for future planned pregnancies.

Dr. Aggarwal said genetic tests are mostly in the form of blood tests; However, these are not simple blood tests with a ‘yes or no’ answer. There are a lot of nuances and hence counseling before and after testing is extremely important. It is a myth that all genetic disorders are passed down from previous generations. In fact most genetic disorders occur when there is no family history. Dr Aggarwal said, genetic testing is not only for the betterment of the next generation but genetic testing also helps in treating the affected individuals, which is what we want to emphasise.

Dr. Madhur Rao, Senior Deputy Medical Administrator, KEM Pune, said that this is an important milestone not only for our hospital but for the healthcare sector in Pune. As medical science advances, we would like to expand our multidisciplinary services to other departments in the future.

Shireen Wadia, General Administrator, KEM Pune, said that the Department of Specialty Medical Genetics is a testament to our continued commitment to ensure that quality healthcare services at an affordable cost are available and accessible to all.