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New Delhi: The diagnostic landscape in India has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. What began as walk-in laboratories has evolved into a digital-first ecosystem—featuring collection centers, home testing, and mobile-enabled reporting—reshaping the way diagnostics reaches patients.
Today, industry leaders believe we are entering an entirely new frontier, where genomics, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and precision medicine are set to redefine wellness and healthcare.
Reflecting on this journey, Dr. Om Manchanda, Former MD of Dr. Lal Path Labs, Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Managing Director of Mahajan Imaging, Dr. Arjun Dang, CEO and Partner at Dr. Dang’s Lab, and Dr. Sakthivel Murugan, Vice President of Lab Operations at MedGenome, shared their insights at the 5th edition of the Healthcare Leaders Summit. The panel, titled “Genomics, Diagnostics & Precision Medicine: The Next Wellness Craze?”, was moderated by Vikas Dandekar, Editor-Pharma & Healthcare at The Economic Times.
Dr. Manchanda highlighted how patient behavior and technology have reshaped diagnostics, “When I joined Dr. Lal, 80–90 per cent of our business came from people walking into labs. Today, everything happens digitally—you can book a test, give samples at home, and access reports on your mobile without ever visiting a lab.”
However, the more profound shift lies in the evolution of healthcare philosophy.
“We’ve moved from healthcare being prescriptive to preventive—and now to predictive. Awareness among patients has increased multifold, triggered by events such as sudden cardiac deaths and the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the risks of comorbidities. People now want to know their genetic predispositions and risk factors, and science has advanced to a stage where we can offer those answers.”
According to him, the next phase of diagnostics growth will come from predictive profiling—tests that not only detect diseases early but also flag underlying risks, empowering people to take proactive steps long before symptoms appear.
If predictive diagnostics is one frontier, integrated diagnostics is another. Explaining how silos between diagnostic disciplines are breaking down, Dr. Mahajan said:
“Six years ago, we introduced next-gen sequencing in our radiology center. At the time, it seemed unusual—even globally, we were among the first radiology setups to combine genomics with imaging. But the idea was simple: patients and physicians don’t want fragmented data—they want one clear diagnosis.”
This led to the creation of a caring center for advanced research in imaging, neurosciences, and genomics as early as 2016.
“The convergence of radiology, genomics, and research is not just futuristic—it’s happening now. Integrated diagnostics ensures that predictive insights from genomics complement the precision of imaging, especially in areas like cancer, neurology, cardiology, and diabetes.”
Both experts underline that the diagnostic sector is entering a phase where precision medicine and wellness intersect. Genomic profiling no longer guides only cancer therapy—it’s entering mainstream areas such as cardiology, metabolic disorders, and preventive wellness.
The implications are significant: for individuals, it means tailored healthcare strategies, whether lifestyle interventions, regular screenings, or targeted therapies. For the healthcare system, it promises efficiency: fewer misdiagnoses, better treatment outcomes, and a stronger emphasis on staying healthy rather than treating illness.
India, with its growing patient awareness and large population, is well positioned to adopt these advancements. But challenges remain—cost, accessibility, and awareness beyond urban centers will determine how quickly predictive and precision diagnostics become part of everyday healthcare.
“Preventive health checkups are already becoming a way of life at the top end. Predictive diagnostics is the natural next step,” says Dr. Manchanda. With pioneers like Dr. Mahajan demonstrating how genomics and imaging can converge, the vision of integrated, personalized healthcare no longer feels distant.
Breaking the “One-Size-Fits-All” Mold
The traditional model of wellness check-ups—silver, gold, or platinum packages—is increasingly obsolete in an era that demands personalization.
Dr. Dang said, “Most people today still choose tests based on family history and budget, a ‘cookie-cutter’ approach that risks missing critical insights. It’s like painting with a broad brush when what we need is a fine stroke.”
To bridge this gap, his team developed Discover by Dr. Dangs, a free digital tool that curates personalized test packages based on individual health goals—from longevity and chronic disease management to fitness, mood, or sleep—backed by evidence-based, peer-reviewed research.
“So far, over 7,000 personalized check-ups have been curated, and even among 30–35 year-olds, the overlap was only 20 per cent. That means the majority required customized test combinations,” he notes.
Emphasising the limits of bundled packages, Dr Mahajan said, “Someone at 30, 50, and 70 years opting for the same platinum package makes little sense. Many times, people are told they are fine and then succumb to a heart attack days later. Personalized diagnostics is not optional—it’s critical.”
Genomics: The Engine of Personalisation
If personalisation is the direction, genomics is the engine driving it. Dr. Murugan, reflecting on MedGenome’s journey, said, “We started with diagnostics, identifying mutations, assessing risks for siblings or future generations, even prenatal checks. But now the focus is shifting from preventive to predictive.”
Predictive power is crucial in oncology, where genomic profiling determines eligibility for specific therapies.
“Every drug has its own mutation marker. Predictive testing ensures the right drug reaches the right patient,” he explains.
Challenges remain: global companies like 23andMe struggled due to lack of proper databases, validated evidence, and clear guidelines. MedGenome now provides polygenic risk scores for 8–10 disorders, including Parkinson’s and coronary artery disease, with over 90 per cent predictive accuracy when combined with phenotypic data.
Experts agree the diagnostics landscape is shifting from volume-driven packages to precision-driven personalization. Integration of genomics, imaging, and AI promises holistic diagnoses rather than fragmented data points. Predictive genomics, if backed by rigorous validation and guidelines, could redefine preventive care and therapeutic decisions.
On policy, Dr. Mahajan said, “The government has set up genomics centers of excellence, but policies won’t change overnight. Tests are still expensive, even if India charges a quarter of global costs.”
Dr. Murugan adds, “Data privacy is critical. We follow strict GDPR norms, keep genomic data in India, and release it only with patient consent. The data belongs to the patient—no one else.”
Genomics also addresses antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Dr. Dang calls it a “silent pandemic,” introducing bacteriophage sensitivity testing—using viruses instead of antibiotics to target specific bacteria.
Dr. Mahajan summarises, “Precision medicine will grow rapidly because it saves lives. Predictive medicine will take longer, because human nature resists knowing risks early. But genomics is no longer the future—it’s already here.”
Experts agree that while genomics and precision diagnostics may be today’s “wellness craze,” when backed by science, personalisation, and accessibility, they are tomorrow’s standard of care.
