Initiative to tackle Inherited Genetic Diseases in the Newly born babies

Recently, the Government of India has launched UMMID (Unique Methods of Management and Treatment of Inherited Disorders) initiative to tackle inherited genetic diseases of newborn babies.

The programme will be implemented through government hospitals to regularise the use of cutting edge scientific technology and molecular medicine to achieve Universal Health Coverage for all.

The initiative is designed on the concept of ‘Prevention is better than Cure’.

In India’s urban areas, congenital malformations and genetic disorders are the third most common cause of mortality after prematurity & low birth weight issues and infections in newborns.

A very large population and high birth rate, and consanguineous marriage favoured in many communities are some of the important reasons for the high prevalence of genetic disorders in India.

The UMMID initiative aims:

To establish NIDAN (National Inherited Diseases Administration) Kendras to provide counselling, prenatal testing and diagnosis, management, and multidisciplinary care in Government Hospitals wherein the influx of patients is more.

To produce skilled clinicians in Human Genetics,

To undertake screening of pregnant women and newborn babies for inherited genetic diseases in hospitals at aspirational districts.

To create awareness about genetic disorders amongst clinicians and to establish molecular diagnostics in hospitals.

The three components of UMMID Initiative

• UMMID initiative shall work to shift focus from “sick-care” to “wellness” by promoting the prevention of genetic diseases.
• Inherited Genetic Diseases
• A genetic disorder is a disease caused in whole or in part by a change in the DNA sequence away from the normal sequence.
• Genetic disorders can be caused by a mutation in one gene (monogenic disorder), by mutations in multiple genes (multifactorial inheritance disorder), by a combination of gene mutations or by damage to chromosomes.
• Some of the examples of Genetic disorders are: Sickle Cell Anemia, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Alzheimer's Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, and Obesity.
• THE UMMID CENTRES on working are as follows and citizens can visit at :