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Delhi Expands Free Newborn Genetic Disease Screening Programme
Delhi has started a free health-check programme for newborn babies.
It is called Mission ANMOL.
Doctors use tests to look for 56 genetic diseases and other conditions.
Finding these problems early can help children receive care sooner.
The programme currently operates at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital.
About 14,000 newborn samples are screened there each month.
Doctors also test some parents to see whether they carry conditions that could affect their baby.
Delhi officials plan to bring the service to more government hospitals.
The tests do not find every genetic condition, so some babies are referred for additional testing.
Mission ANMOL has provided free newborn genetic screening at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital since March.
The programme aims to screen 250,000 newborns annually for 56 genetic diseases and related conditions.
Delhi currently has one government-run facility, but testing is planned for expansion to other hospitals.
The laboratory screens for conditions including G6PD deficiency, thyroid problems and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
The facility also tests parents for inherited blood conditions such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
- Who
- The Delhi government, medical staff at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital and families with newborns or pregnancy-related referrals.
- What
- A free programme called Mission ANMOL is screening newborns for 56 genetic diseases and expanding access to genetic testing.
- Where
- The current facility is at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital in Delhi, with expansion planned across other government hospitals.
- When
- The programme has been operating since March and was announced in Delhi’s 2026-27 Budget.
- Why
- To detect genetic and related conditions early so children can receive timely care and parents can understand potential risks.
Key facts
- Programme
- Mission ANMOL, or Advanced Newborn Monitoring for Optimal Lifecare
- Annual target
- 250,000 newborns
- Conditions screened
- 56 genetic diseases and related conditions
- Current facility
- Medical Genetics Lab at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital
- Monthly screening
- About 14,000 newborn samples
- Expansion plan
- Genetic testing facilities are expected to be added at other government hospitals in Delhi
- Additional testing
- The laboratory receives around 30–40 referrals daily for unexplained illness, birth defects or developmental delays
Quotes
Pankaj Kumar Singh
Delhi Health Minister
“At a recent Cabinet meeting, we decided to expand the coverage of Mission ANMOL. Our aim is to screen every child born in Delhi, free of cost, for 56 genetic diseases so that these conditions can be detected early and children can receive timely care. Gradually, we will expand the scope of the programme and increase the number of genetic testing laboratories across Delhi.”
indianexpress.com
“In newborn babies, we primarily look for G6PD deficiency, which can cause red blood cells to break down; thyroid problems that can affect the baby’s development; and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce some hormones properly, along with around 50 other markers.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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