DU approves new department of Medical Genetics at MAMC
The University of Delhi has granted academic and regulatory approval for starting a Department of Medical Genetics at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and its associated Lok Nayak Hospital.
Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh stated that the approval will significantly strengthen Delhi’s public healthcare ecosystem by introducing precision medicine, clinical genetics, and care for rare diseases within Government hospitals. The approval of two Doctorate of Medicine super-specialty seats has also been sanctioned, enabling structured training of specialists and expanding access to advanced genetic diagnostics and therapies for patients across Delhi.
The department will address genetic disorders across all age groups, from fetal and neonatal stages to adulthood and geriatric care, with a strong focus on pediatric and rare diseases.
Dr Singh said the establishment of the department represents a shift towards preventive and precision healthcare. “This is a major step towards precision and preventive healthcare in Delhi. Genetic science will help us detect diseases early and treat them better. Our goal is to provide world-class care for every citizen through public hospitals,” the Health Minister said.
Medical Genetics is considered one of the fastest-evolving fields in modern medicine. The new department will introduce advanced diagnostic capabilities and targeted treatment options, including gene therapy, antisense oligonucleotide therapy and in-utero or fetal interventions.
These cutting-edge treatment pathways, which are often available only in select private or international centres, will now be accessible within Delhi’s public health system.
Officials said the department will work in close coordination with fetal medicine units, pediatrics, adult medicine and oncology departments. This integration is expected to significantly strengthen cancer genetics services, where genetic profiling increasingly guides prognosis, personalised treatment plans and precision oncology. The convergence of genetics with oncology and other specialties will help improve evidence-based decision-making and long-term clinical outcomes.
The approval of DM seats also enhances the academic stature of MAMC and Lok Nayak Hospital, positioning them among a select group of Government institutions in the country that offer advanced training and tertiary-to-quaternary care in medical genetics. The initiative is expected to help build a skilled workforce of genetic specialists, which remains a critical gap in India’s healthcare system.
The Department of Medical Genetics was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, underlining the Government’s focus on strengthening public healthcare infrastructure and introducing next-generation medical specialties in Government institutions. Officials said the initiative aligns with the broader objective of making advanced, technology-driven healthcare accessible to all sections of society, not just those who can afford private treatment.
In a related development, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh on Friday visited a mega blood donation camp organised at Thyagaraj Stadium to mark the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The event witnessed large-scale public participation, with citizens voluntarily donating blood.
