AIIMS Jammu initiates laboratory operations

Jammu, Apr 25: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu Friday announced the initiation of laboratory operations at the newly inaugurated state-of-the-art “Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine.”

A spokesperson of AIIMS Jammu said that the landmark event marked a new era in affordable, precision-driven cancer care for patients across India.

Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta; Dean Research and Medical Superintendent Lt Gen Dr Sunil Kant; Dean (Academics) Prof Dr Meeta Gupta; Associate Dean (Research) Prof Dr Shabab L Angurana; Registrar Shailender Slathia; Dr Poonam Sharma, Head, Department of Pathology and Dr Sudarshan, vice president - Global Operations at 4baseCare were present at the inauguration ceremony besides others.

The Centre, established in collaboration with 4baseCare, is equipped with cutting-edge Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology.

“This facility enables comprehensive genomic profiling for cancer patients, allowing clinicians to design highly targeted, individualized treatment plans. By integrating genomic data with AI-driven diagnostics, the Centre aims to enhance early disease detection, optimize therapy selection, and minimize ineffective treatments, thereby improving patient outcomes and quality of life,” the spokesperson said.

Traditionally, advanced genomic testing has been prohibitively expensive.

“At AIIMS Jammu, the same high-quality NGS tests will now be available at very affordable prices making precision oncology accessible to a much broader segment of the population. This initiative is a significant step towards democratizing access to world-class cancer diagnostics and treatment in India,” the spokesperson said.

The Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine is not only a regional asset but also a national referral hub. Oncology patients and healthcare providers from across India can now send samples to AIIMS Jammu to avail themselves of advanced genomic testing services.

“This ensures that patients, regardless of their location, have access to timely and accurate molecular diagnostics, further reducing the burden of travel and associated costs,” the spokesperson said.

Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, stated, “For every patient we treat, we are treating a mother, a father, a sister, or a brother. This partnership is our promise to every family who walks through our doors that we will do everything in our power to bring them the care they deserve.”

“With the launch of this Centre, AIIMS Jammu cements its position as a frontrunner in India’s medical research landscape. The facility is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing precision oncology, rare disease diagnostics, reproductive medicine, and public health genomics, integrating these services into the broader public healthcare system,” he stated.