Fortis Launches Genomic Medicine Institute to Personalise Healthcare in India
Fortis Healthcare has taken a bold leap into the future of medicine with the launch of the Fortis Institute of Genomic Medicine, a first-of-its-kind center in India dedicated to using genetic science to transform how patients are diagnosed and treated.
Announced on April 15, 2025, this new institute aims to make healthcare more personalized and precise by studying each patient's DNA to guide treatment decisions. Built on Fortis’ strong network of hospitals and supported by Agilus Diagnostics’ widespread lab services, the institute will bring together a team of experts from various medical fields such as cancer care, cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, and pathology.
They will work closely with genetic scientists, data specialists, and artificial intelligence engineers to decode the complex language of genes and use that knowledge to help people live healthier lives.
Genomics—the study of genes and how they affect health—is fast changing the way doctors treat diseases. For example, in cancer care, genomic testing can reveal the exact mutations that cause cancer in a patient, allowing doctors to use drugs that specifically target those mutations, leading to more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
Similarly, in heart diseases, genetics can help detect inherited conditions early, especially in families with a history of sudden heart issues. And for people suffering from neurological disorders like epilepsy or Parkinson’s, understanding their genetic background can lead to better diagnosis and personalized care.
The real power of this technology is already visible through stories of patients whose lives have been transformed.
A leukemia patient was able to avoid a bone marrow transplant thanks to genetic testing that revealed a more suitable treatment.
A woman discovered her silent hereditary risk for cancer through genomic screening, leading to early, preventive care for her and three family members. In another case, a lung cancer patient with a rare genetic mutation—found only through advanced sequencing done at Fortis—was placed on a targeted therapy and is now doing well.
Anil Vinayak, Group Chief Operating Officer of Fortis Healthcare, said the launch of this institute marks an important step in Fortis’ journey to offer healthcare that is not only advanced but also tailored to individual needs. He emphasized that this initiative is about more than just diagnosis—it's about prevention, precision, and empowering patients to take control of their health. Echoing his views, Dr. Ritu Garg, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer at Fortis, said the new institute shows Fortis’ commitment to staying ahead in innovation.
She pointed out that the future of medicine lies in being able to offer personalized treatment, and this center is designed to bring cutting-edge science closer to the everyday care patients receive.
Yash Rawat, Facility Director of Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, explained that genomic testing has the potential to change the way we approach long-term illnesses. It can identify risks, help doctors choose the right treatments, and even explain why some people respond differently to certain medicines.
He said that whether it’s a child with an unknown health condition or someone with a family history of breast cancer, genomics offers hope and clarity. Looking ahead, Fortis plans to launch a national health registry informed by genetic data.
This would be a major step in advancing precision medicine in India. Additionally, the healthcare group is developing the country’s first AI-based genomic reporting platform tailored to the needs of Indian doctors.
This platform will make it easier for doctors to interpret genetic data and use it effectively in their daily practice. The launch event was attended by several leading medical experts from Fortis, including senior specialists in oncology, cardiology, neurology, and bone marrow transplant.
Their presence reflected the collaborative spirit behind this new initiative and Fortis’ commitment to delivering future-ready healthcare. With the opening of the Fortis Institute of Genomic Medicine, the hospital group is not just keeping up with global trends—it is helping to lead them.