Birth defects

The genomic newborn screening initiative is gaining momentum across the world, with large-scale programmes now under way in the U.S., the UK, Europe, and Australia. At least 1.7 million babies in India are born every year with birth defects, many of which are due to genetic conditions. Almost 1 in 250 children have a 250treatable genetic disease. Yet, genetic screening at birth almost does not exist in the public healthcare system in India