UMMID Programme: India Mission to Tackle Rare Genetic Disorders

Nearly 30 NIDAN Kendras have been developed under the programme. These centres help bring advanced genomic healthcare facilities beyond major metropolitan cities and improve access for ordinary families.

2. Outreach in Aspirational Districts

The programme also focuses on screening pregnant women and newborn babies in aspirational districts. Each diagnostic centre adopts one district to support awareness and prevention programmes.

Special attention is given to diseases such as:

• Beta-thalassemia
• Genetic metabolic disorders
• Other inherited diseases

This outreach model helps doctors and local communities better understand genetic disorders and encourages early intervention.

3. Training and Capacity Building

UMMID aims to develop skilled professionals in fields such as:

• Molecular Genetics
• Clinical Genetics
• Cytogenetics
• Biochemical Genetics

Training is provided through leading institutions including:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences
• Christian Medical College
• Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences
• Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics

These centres help strengthen India’s healthcare workforce in the field of genetic medicine.

Major Achievements of UMMID

The programme has already shown encouraging results across the country.

Key achievements include:

• Nearly 3 lakh individuals benefited
• More than 60,000 antenatal screenings completed
• Over 33,000 newborns screened for genetic disorders
• Nearly 30 NIDAN Kendras established nationwide

The initiative has successfully created a coordinated national framework connecting diagnostics, counselling, screening, training, and community outreach.

Connection with the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021

UMMID supports the implementation of the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021 introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The policy focuses on:

• Financial assistance for rare disease patients
• Better diagnosis and treatment systems
• Research and development for therapies

UMMID strengthens this policy by building structured systems for early screening, diagnosis, and patient care related to inherited disorders.

UMMID and the Future of Precision Medicine

The programme is also preparing India for the future of precision medicine. The experience gained through UMMID may help doctors create personalised treatments based on genetic profiles for diseases such as: