Pune: A new Genome Sequencing Lab has been inaugurated at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune. The lab was inaugurated at the hands of Lt Gen Daljit Singh, AVSM, VSM, PHS, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services and Senior Colonel Commandant of the Army Medical Corps.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Dean and Officiating Commandant of AFMC Pune, the Commandants of Command Hospital Southern Command, the Army Institute of Cardio Thoracic Sciences Pune, and the Additional DGAFMS (Medical Research & Health), along with other senior officers from the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).

The new lab is equipped with state-of-the-art Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) facilities, including the advanced "Nextseq 2000" and "Miniseq" analyzers.

NGS technology has wide-ranging applications in various healthcare fields such as inherited diseases, oncology, transplant medicine, and reproductive medicine.

This cutting-edge technology enhances the capabilities of the AFMS by enabling precise diagnosis of rare genetic disorders, molecular prognostication of malignancies, and facilitating organ transplantation.

This is the second NGS facility in the Armed Forces, following the one at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in New Delhi, which was launched earlier this year on January 23, 2024.

The establishment of the Genome Sequencing Lab at AFMC Pune is a significant step in strengthening the nation's healthcare infrastructure. The lab's advanced capabilities will not only benefit the Armed Forces but also contribute to the broader medical community through groundbreaking research and improved diagnostics.

This facility is expected to foster innovation in medical science, leading to better healthcare outcomes, a cornerstone of national development. By training skilled professionals in cutting-edge genomic technologies, the lab will support the development of a highly competent healthcare workforce, further enhancing the nation's health security and scientific expertise.