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Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Genomic testing sees sharp uptake in India, now growing beyond metros
With 18 per cent CAGR, India's genomic diagnostics market is expanding into Tier 2 and 3 cities as affordability, cancer screening, and personalised care fuel adoption Anjali Singh Mumbai Demand for genomic testing in India has surged significantly over the past two to three years, fuelled by growing clinical awareness, rapid technological advancements and the rising adoption of personalised medicine. From being a niche service concentrated in major metros, genomic diagnostics are now expanding into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reshaping the landscape of preventive and precision healthcare. The Indian genomic diagnostics market is valued at $550 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18 per cent, reaching $2,066.31 million by 2030, according to industry estimates. Key drivers include wider physician adoption, declining test prices, improved accessibility and a shift in consumer behaviour towards proactive and personalised healthcare. Diagnostic majors such as Agilus Diagnostics, Metropolis Healthcare, Dr Lal PathLabs, Mahajan Imaging and Labs, and Redcliffe Labs report double-digit growth in the segment. While metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi still contribute the lion's share, growing awareness and infrastructure in cities like Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Kochi and Surat are driving demand beyond urban hubs. Test affordability has improved substantially. Prices for routine genomic tests—like BRCA1/2 (used to analyse a person's DNA to identify mutations in genes that increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer) and NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing, a blood test performed on pregnant women to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions in the foetus)—have come down by 30–40 per cent, now ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000, depending on complexity. While advanced oncology panels and exome sequencing can still cost up to Rs 2 lakh, widespread adoption of high-throughput platforms and in-house test development has made even complex testing more accessible. Experts believe that although demand for genomic testing is rising across multiple segments, increasing cancer incidence and a countrywide focus on cancer detection and reproductive health have been key growth drivers. 'The rapid increase in demand for cancer tests, along with paediatric and reproductive health applications like prenatal testing and carrier testing, are major contributing factors driving growth in genetic testing. The country is also witnessing a rise in testing for rare genetic diseases, driven by India's huge genetic diversity,' said Nilaya Varma, group chief executive officer and co-founder, Primus Partners. 'Genomic testing now contributes 5–7 per cent of our total diagnostics revenue, up from under 2 per cent three years ago,' said Anand K, managing director and chief executive officer, Agilus Diagnostics. Redcliffe Labs pegs this number even higher, at 30–40 per cent, with consistent 20 per cent year-on-year growth in test volumes. 'We've seen a dramatic rise in genomic testing demand over the past five years, especially in oncology, rare diseases and reproductive health. What's encouraging is that Tier 2 and 3 cities like Lucknow, Bhubaneswar and Coimbatore are now actively adopting these tests,' said Himani Pandey, lab head – genomics, Redcliffe Labs. Metropolis Healthcare, which entered the genomics space three years ago, has seen over 50 per cent revenue growth in the segment and plans further expansion through investments in bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms. 'We've seen over 50 per cent revenue growth in genomics since our entry into the space three years ago. Genomic testing is increasingly being integrated into routine health check-ups, cancer diagnostics, rare disease screening and personalised treatment planning. We are investing heavily in bioinformatics and NGS platforms to scale further,' said Kirti Chadha, chief scientific and innovation officer, Metropolis Healthcare. Similarly, Dr Lal PathLabs, through its genomics division Genevolve, has launched over 500 tests covering oncogenomics, neurogenomics, rare disease panels and reproductive health. 'With Illumina's NovaSeq X platform at our national reference lab and a focused genomics sales team, we're bringing cutting-edge testing to both metros and smaller towns,' said Shankha Banerjee, chief executive officer, Dr Lal PathLabs. While margins on genomic tests can vary—and in many cases remain lower than routine diagnostics due to high input costs and low volumes—players see genomics as a long-term strategic bet. 'It's not just about margins—it's about clinical value and helping doctors make better treatment decisions,' said Shelly Mahajan, lab director at Mahajan Imaging. A common thread across players is the push for in-house development and Indian population–specific panels, often coupled with global partnerships for specialised tests. Most labs are also investing in AI-driven bioinformatics, advanced molecular labs and automation to enhance scalability. Yet, challenges remain. Despite cost reductions, insurance coverage for genomic tests in India is still extremely limited, creating affordability barriers for patients in lower-income segments. Industry leaders stress that broader insurance inclusion could accelerate adoption, particularly for cancer, rare diseases and reproductive health-related tests. Nonetheless, the momentum is clear: Genomic testing is no longer a fringe offering. With its ability to provide deep molecular insights for early diagnosis, targeted therapy and risk prediction, it is fast becoming a core pillar in India's diagnostics growth strategy.
News18
10-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Top 10 Diagnostic Tests Every New Mother Should Consider – For Body, Mind, and Heart
Last Updated: This Mother's Day, prioritize you. Let self-care begin with these simple yet crucial health checks Becoming a mother is one of the most transformative experiences in a woman's life. Along with joy, love, and the wonder of new life, it brings a range of physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that demand attention and care. While new moms are often laser-focused on their baby's well-being, their own health tends to take a backseat. However, early postpartum health monitoring is vital—especially as the body begins to recover and adjust after the intensity of childbirth. According to Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth, Chief Pathologist, Redcliffe Labs, 'New mothers go through several physiological changes, and diagnostic tests offer valuable insight into how the body is coping post-delivery. They help detect issues like anemia, thyroid imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies early—ensuring smoother recovery." Simultaneously, cardiovascular health is another area that requires attention. Dr. Niranjan Hiremath, Senior Consultant, Cardiovascular and Aortic Surgeon and Surgical Lead, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, adds, 'Recent studies indicate that new mothers are at a higher risk of heart-related conditions postpartum due to stress, sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, and complications like gestational diabetes or hypertension." As we celebrate motherhood this month, here's a comprehensive guide to the top 10 diagnostic tests—five general and five heart-related—that every new mother should consider for a healthy transition into this new phase of life. 1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) A Must for Monitoring Overall Health Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth explains, 'A CBC checks red and white blood cells, hemoglobin levels, and platelets, helping identify anemia, infections, or weakened immunity." Anemia, common post-delivery due to blood loss, can lead to fatigue and weakness if not managed with supplements or dietary changes. 'Iron levels often drop after childbirth, especially if there's been significant blood loss," notes Dr. Seth. Low iron can cause chronic fatigue, dizziness, and compromised immunity. Including iron-rich foods like spinach and lentils, or prescribed supplements, can aid recovery. Essential After Gestational Diabetes If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, it's crucial to check your sugar levels 6–12 weeks after birth. 'High glucose levels post-delivery could indicate the onset of type 2 diabetes," warns Dr. Seth. Symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or weight loss shouldn't be ignored. 4. Thyroid Function Test Detecting Hormonal Imbalances Postpartum thyroid dysfunction is common and often missed. Dr. Seth explains, 'Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and hair loss. A simple TSH test can help identify the issue early." 5. Liver and Kidney Function Tests (LFT & KFT) Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome can affect liver and kidney health. 'It's vital to assess organ function postpartum to catch any residual damage or dysfunction," says Dr. Seth. These tests help ensure no lingering complications post-childbirth. 6. Blood Pressure Monitoring 'High BP may persist or emerge after delivery, especially if it was elevated during pregnancy," says Dr. Niranjan Hiremath. Regular BP checks can help manage postpartum hypertension and prevent strokes or heart failure. 7. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Quick and Painless Heart Rhythm Assessment 'An ECG can pick up irregular heart rhythms, which are more common postpartum due to hormonal shifts and stress," adds Dr. Hiremath. If you feel palpitations, dizziness, or breathlessness, don't delay this simple test. 8. Lipid Profile Cholesterol levels often spike during and after pregnancy. 'A lipid profile measures LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), helping gauge long-term cardiovascular risk," says Dr. Hiremath. 9. Blood Sugar Test (Follow-Up for Heart Health) Even if your blood sugar was normal at birth, gestational diabetes increases long-term heart disease risk. 'Postpartum glucose monitoring is non-negotiable for mothers with a GDM history," Dr. Hiremath emphasizes. 10. Echocardiogram For Deeper Insight into Heart Function If you had preeclampsia or unexplained symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or chest discomfort, an echocardiogram is advised. 'This imaging test helps assess how well your heart is functioning after delivery," explains Dr. Hiremath. Bonus Tests to Consider: In addition to the top ten, Dr. Seth recommends the following, based on individual needs: ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) – Detects inflammation Vitamin D & B12 – For bone and neurological health Lipid Profile – Beyond heart health, it also impacts metabolism Calcium Test – Important post-lactation and for bone recovery LH & FSH Hormonal Panel – To assess reproductive hormone levels top videos View all Being a mother doesn't mean ignoring your own health. It means caring for yourself so you can care for your child even better. Regular check-ups and diagnostic tests are not just precautionary—they're empowering. So this Mother's Day, prioritize you. Let self-care begin with these simple yet crucial health checks. As both doctors affirm, 'Your body has done something miraculous—now it deserves the care to heal, renew, and thrive." The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Happy Mother's Day Indian mothers International Mother's Day latest news lifestyle New Mother new mothers news18 Showsha trending viral news Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 10, 2025, 19:59 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Top 10 Diagnostic Tests Every New Mother Should Consider – For Body, Mind, and Heart
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Redcliffe Labs launches diagnostic platform for women's health
Healthcare diagnostics company Redcliffe Labs has launched Femcliffe , a diagnostic platform tailored for women's health needs across different life stages. The company has launched this platform ahead of mother's day. According to the company, the platform includes preventive, curative, and specialised diagnostic testing designed to address women's health needs across different life stages, including puberty, fertility, pregnancy, menopause, post-menopause, and active ageing. The test packages, as stated by Redcliffe Labs, aim to provide timely and relevant health insights. These include hormonal assessments during adolescence, fertility and pregnancy screenings, and evaluations for bone density and general wellness. Available through Redcliffe's nationwide network of labs and collection centres, the platform supports online booking and home sample collection . Test results are delivered in simplified formats with actionable insights and progress tracking. Redcliffe has also rolled out a digital awareness campaign, She's SuperWoW – Celebrating Her Care, with the Care She Deserves , on Mother's day. Through this campaign, the company aims to encourage women to view timely testing and routine checkups as essential to their well-being rather than acts of selfishness. Commenting on the development, Aditya Kandoi, CEO and founder of Redcliffe Labs, said, 'With Femcliffe, we're creating a safe, supportive, she-centric, specially curated space that addresses end-to-end diagnostic requirements.'
