India is embarking on a significant transformation in healthcare, with genomics, artificial intelligence, and advanced biotechnology paving the way for personalised and precision medicine. This shift aims to facilitate early disease detection and targeted treatment even prior to the appearance of symptoms, as noted by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh during his address at the NXT Summit 2026 – ‘For All Humankind’.
Leveraging Genetic Diversity
Dr Singh highlighted that India’s extensive genetic diversity, which encompasses over 4,000 to 5,000 distinct communities, provides a substantial advantage in genomic research. The Genome India Initiative has already achieved significant milestones, including the genome sequencing of 10,000 Indian individuals, establishing a robust foundation for further investigation into disease patterns and preventive healthcare. The initiative’s long-term objective is to sequence one million genomes, which will considerably enhance the nation’s capacity to predict and prevent diseases.
Integration of Multi-Omics and AI
The Minister underscored the increasing importance of multi-omics technologies, comprising genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, in deciphering complex diseases. When these technologies are combined with artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics, healthcare professionals will be empowered to devise personalised treatment plans tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Dr Singh stated, “Tomorrow’s medicine will be personalised medicine, precision medicine and prescriptions tailored specifically for the individual patient.”
Bio-E3 Policy: A Catalyst for Biotechnology
Dr Singh attributed the strengthening of India’s biotechnology ecosystem to the policy initiatives championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He specifically referenced the Bio-E3 Policy – Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment, which aims to accelerate innovation in biomanufacturing and position India as a global leader in the biotechnology sector. India has already emerged as a significant biomanufacturing hub, ranking third in the Asia-Pacific region and among the top countries worldwide.
- Development of biofoundries and biomanufacturing clusters
- Support for biotech startups through Bio-NEST incubators
- Expansion of biotechnology research platforms
Dr Singh expressed confidence that biotechnology will drive the next industrial revolution, akin to the transformative impact of information technology in previous decades.
Biomedical Innovations: Vaccines and Gene Therapy
India’s achievements in biomedical innovation were also highlighted by Dr Singh. He noted the development of the world’s first DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine and an indigenously developed vaccine against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) for cervical cancer prevention. Furthermore, Indian researchers are making strides in gene therapy-based treatments, including successful trials for haemophilia, a significant genetic bleeding disorder.
AI-Enabled Diagnostics: Enhancing Healthcare Access
Dr Singh emphasised the role of AI-enabled diagnostics in facilitating early disease detection. Technologies such as AI-based thermal imaging for breast cancer screening are being deployed via mobile health units, ensuring that advanced diagnostic services reach even the most remote villages. He noted that early detection is markedly improving outcomes for diseases such as cancer, stating, “Increasingly, cancers like breast cancer are becoming curable when diagnosed in early stages.”
Exploring Space Medicine
Additionally, Dr Singh highlighted collaborative efforts between India’s space and healthcare sectors. Joint initiatives between the Department of Space and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are investigating the effects of microgravity on biological processes, which could yield new medical insights and treatment options.
Nuclear Sector Reforms to Propel Medical Innovation
The recently introduced SHANTI Act, which opens India’s nuclear sector to private participation, was also discussed by the Minister. This reform is anticipated to accelerate investments in:
- Small modular reactors
- Nuclear technologies
- Nuclear medicine research
These advancements may lead to innovative treatment approaches for conditions such as acute lymphoid leukemia and fatty liver disease. Dr Singh remarked that the reform will facilitate the participation of startups, entrepreneurs, and smaller firms in the burgeoning field of nuclear technologies.
Investment in Research and Innovation
To underpin advanced technology development, the government has established a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. This fund aims to enhance private sector involvement in:
- Biotechnology
- Nuclear science
- Artificial intelligence
- Advanced healthcare technologies
Dr Singh concluded by stating that India is increasingly recognised as a cost-effective and high-quality healthcare destination, bolstered by strong scientific research and extensive health data systems. He also pointed to the growing global interest in collaborating with India in life sciences and biotechnology, with initiatives such as the Parliamentarians’ Forum on Life Sciences expected to fortify international cooperation, research partnerships, and knowledge exchange in emerging healthcare technologies.