GenDioT
Genetic Diagnostic Training Program
Human genetics is a complex subject which is studied by a variety of techniques which have evolved rapidly over
the past few years. Genetics, by its very nature, often involves the study of abnormality. Human Genetics is a vast ocean in which few important sectors like genetic diagnosis play important role as far as population genetics is concerned. More than 10,000
genetic disorders prevail in Human population whose diagnosis, study and analysis will be of most important to overcome the major challenges into healthcare and allied areas. The genetic labs may offer advanced tests but, the advancement has not reached the
populace desired. Lack of awareness about such tests and high cost of tests are the inhibiting factors. Also, even with an increase in awareness, the State is not adequately equipped with experts in the field of genetic diagnostics, to furnish consciousness
for willing people in the State. Hence to address the critical issue of developing skilled manpower for handling the new technology of genetic diagnostics, a 21 days residential training program was conceptualized. After the approvals from health department,
the program was conducted from 18th December, 2007 to 7th January, 2008. About 50 applications were received from different 18 academia, 10 hospitals and 2 research institutes from all over Gujarat along with one international application from Sudan. Training
program accommodated 10 researchers and 5 medical fraternities from various universities, institutes and medical colleges of Gujarat.
The program was conducted through participation of three institutes - GCRI, FRIGE and Zoology Department, Gujarat
University. Program was spread over 4000 men hours, took benefit of 25 resource persons, having expertise field of molecular & genetic diagnosis. It included hands on training on Molecular biology and genetic diagnostic instruments such as M-FISH (First facility
in the country funded by GSBTM) Florescence Microscope KASA, PCR, etc. A total expenditure of Rs. 6.50 lacs was incurred for conducting this program.
The training is planned to be divided into two phases where in Phase-I participants were trained for 3 weeks in the state institutes utilizing the existing infrastructures and expertise where as in Phase - II selected participants from Phase-I shall be sent
to one national facility for further detailed training. Schedule of the training for practical session was followed by evening Expert Talks at where in different National and State institutes experts were invited to deliver Expert lectures on recent developments
in the field of molecular medical genetics. This included, Dr. Sher Ali from NII, New Delhi, Dr. Flavian Vaz, from Wadia Hospital, Mumbai, Dr. Sonil Parikh and Dr. Rakesh Rawal from GCRI, Ahmedabad, Dr. Salil Waniawala from Shrinath Diagnostics Lab, Surat,
Dr. Hema Purandhare from Center for genetic heath care, Mumbai, Dr. K. Thangraj from CCMB, Hyderabad , Dr. N. P. Battacharya from SINP, Kolkatta, Dr. Frenny Bilimoria from Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, Kesar S.A.L. Med. College and Research Centre,
Dr. Rustam Modi from Intas Biopharmaceuticals, and Dr. Savita Bosekare from Lab India, Mumbai.
Such an initiative would lead to knowledge advancement and proficiency in genetic diagnosis and human genetics through education, training and awareness generation. The training would promote investigation and development of new technologies through research
and infrastructure development activities. As a result of this training program Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Medical College has started Genetic Diagnostics Laboratory at Rajkot.
