About Us
The unit of medical genetics was established in 1976 at the Institute for Research in Reproduction. The unit was made an independent center of ICMR in 1986 and was then lodged at the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for children until the end of 1999. It was shifted back and located back at the Institute of Research in Reproduction. Since its inception, the center has catered to the needs of families having children with mental retardation and multiple malformations. The major activity of the center is to run an effective clinic where couples are counseled regarding the recurrence risk of genetic disorders and the availability of prenatal diagnosis.
Situated in Mumbai, Maharashtra, the Genetic Research Center (GRC) is the ICMR’s only center which offers medical genetic services to individuals with genetic disorders. Diagnosis is based on a unique combination of clinical and laboratory (cytogenetic, biochemical, and molecular) methods. Research at the center is aimed at understanding the molecular etiology associated with abnormalities observed in utero, genetic conditions in the neonatal, pediatric & adolescent population, and in couples with poor reproductive outcomes. The center carries out extensive genetic counseling to empower couples to take an informed decision for further management and for creating awareness among members of the extended family to minimize the occurrence of these disorders in the community.
The center organizes workshops on genetic counseling and laboratory methodologies for medical students, doctors, MSc and Ph.D. students. We also organize summer training and winter training on molecular and cytogenetic – technique-based projects for M.Sc. students. The center organizes a focused one-month training program sponsored by DHR for capacity building in medical genetics. The training program annually trains 16-18 clinicians selected from all over India. The center also develops educational manuals and pamphlets for doctors, paramedical staff, and the general public.