Despite the high prevalence of birth defects and the possibility of preventing 70% of them, genetic services were not prioritised in India in the early 1980s because the country instead was focused on infant mortality and infectious diseases resulting in a scarcity of genetic specialists.

With the growth in knowledge of genetic disorders and the appearance of medical genetics as a distinct speciality in the 1960s, genetic counselling progressively became medicalized, representing one of the key components of clinical practice.

With the completion of the human genome project in 2003 the role of Genetic and Genomic counselling has increased further both in scope and importance.

A staunch advocate for providing accessible, affordable genetic healthcare the CGHC offers accredited genetic/genomic tests across Asia.

Today, other specialties have realised importance of the genetic segment and included the subject in their clinical practice.

The appropriate genetic medical guidance has resulted in many individuals enjoying good health for self and family and an empathetic advice toward the patient’s inclusion in society helps the affected live with dignity.

‘From stigmatisation of genetic disorders to acceptance of premarital, pre-conceptional, and prenatal consultation and testing’ – This paradigm shift is amazing!