Next Generation Sequencing labs launched in two Jammu hospitals

Jammu, Mar 06: For the first time, the ‘Next Generation Sequencing’ (NGS) laboratories have been started in Jammu & Kashmir, which are now operational in two prominent hospitals of the Jammu region – the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H) in Jammu and the Gandhi Nagar Hospital.
The state-of-the-art ‘Next Generation Sequencing’ machines have been installed at both GMC&H Jammu and Gandhi Nagar Hospital. Initially, the laboratories have commenced testing for breast cancer, heralding a new era in cancer diagnostics in the region.
These NGS machines are equipped to identify variants of various viruses and viral diseases, including COVID-19, as well as hereditary diseases.
Dr Sandeep Dogra, Head of the Department of Microbiology at GMC, highlighted the significance of this technology, stating, “With these ultra-modern NGS machines, we have started with the detection of breast cancer, and very soon we will be initiating detection for cervical and lung cancer.”
On the capabilities of NGS technology, Dr Sandeep said, “These NGS machines will help us in determining whether a patient is affected by any kind of cancer and what kind of treatment they require.”
He said that with the help of NGS sequencing, doctors can tailor treatment plans for cancer patients, as well as identify the likelihood of cancer in individuals with a family history of the disease.
The availability of these top-end NGS machines in Jammu and Kashmir will eliminate the need to send samples outside the region for testing, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing turnaround times for diagnostic procedures.
Each NGS machine comes at a considerable cost of around Rs 2 crores. However, the investment is expected to yield substantial benefits in terms of improved healthcare services and enhanced diagnostic capabilities within the region.