Pune: The Pediatrics Department at Sassoon General Hospital has been recognized as a 'Center of Excellence in Pediatric Clinical Genetics,' making it the only government hospital in Maharashtra to achieve this distinction.

This initiative is a collaboration between the State’s Medical Education and Pharmaceuticals Department, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) in Nashik, and B. J. Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital.

The new status allows the hospital to conduct advanced screenings and treatments for genetic disorders in children. The facility will offer specialized diagnostics, including neonatal tests for conditions like hypothyroidism, chromosome analysis (karyotyping), thalassemia screening, and mutation analysis for sickle cell anemia.

The testing services are provided in collaboration with the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department.

The hospital has set up a dedicated OPD service operating every Monday from 9 AM to 1 PM, specifically for children with suspected genetic disorders. These services aim to provide affordable diagnostic options for economically disadvantaged and general pediatric patients.

Dr. Eknath Pawar, Dean of Sassoon Hospital, highlighted that these tests, which typically cost thousands in private hospitals, will be offered at significantly lower rates at the Gene Health Laboratory located in Shivajinagar under MUHS.

State-Wide Sample Collection Facility Available

Dr. Aarti Kinikar, nodal officer of the 'Center of Excellence,' noted that hospitals across Maharashtra can send samples to Sassoon for analysis.

Testing is crucial for identifying genetic causes in children with conditions such as Down syndrome, mental retardation, and thalassemia. Early detection at birth can reduce the incidence of developmental disabilities. The hospital will also provide family counseling, and testing services will be gradually expanded while minimizing costs.