The session, led by experts in foetal medicine and genomics, focused on the role of genetic screening in pregnancy care and early detection of congenital conditions
L – R: Dr Pradip Goswami, Gynaecologist & Fetal Medicine Specialist; Upasana Mukherjee, Consultant Genetic Counselor, BGCI Level II Certified, Medical Geneticist , Clinical Genomics
Suraksha Diagnostic (“Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics”), one of the leading diagnostics chains in Eastern India, organised a workshop on genomics and foetal health to educate expectant women and their families about the role of foetal medicine and genetic screening in pregnancy.
The workshop was led by gynaecologist and Foetal Medicine Specialist, Dr Pradip Goswami, and attended by Upasana Mukherjee, Genetic Counsellor, BGCI Level II Certified, Medical Geneticist, Clinical Genomics.
The discussion highlighted that while most babies are born healthy, around 8–10 per cent of pregnancies may result in minor or major congenital conditions, some of which are linked to non-curable genetic disorders. Genomic technology enables the detection of such conditions before birth by analysing foetal DNA extracted from the mother’s womb. This provides parents with information about the child’s genetic health, potential risks, and the ability to make informed decisions about the current and future pregnancies.
Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics’ genomic testing lab can identify chromosomal abnormalities including Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, and sex chromosome aneuploidies. With one of Eastern India’s largest genomic testing facilities, the organisation has contributed to preventive care by enabling early detection of risks and better planning for treatment.
Dr Goswami noted that in the present context of smaller family units and limited support systems, ensuring the safety and health of both mother and baby during and after pregnancy is critical. He added that the integration of foetal medicine with genomics allows for early diagnosis of congenital and genetic conditions, sometimes as early as the third month of pregnancy.
He further explained that by combining foetal medicine and genetic testing under one roof, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics facilitates faster diagnosis, improved quality of care, and personalised guidance for families.
Speaking about the workshop, Dr Somnath Chatterjee, Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, said, “At Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, we believe that awareness and early intervention are critical to improving maternal and child health outcomes. With advancements in foetal medicine and genomics, we now have the ability to detect and address potential complications before birth. This workshop is a step toward empowering families with the knowledge and access they need to make informed decisions and ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.”
Ritu Mittal, Joint Managing Director of Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, added, “Through initiatives like this workshop, we aim to strengthen prenatal care by combining clinical expertise with advanced diagnostics, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and child.”
The workshop marked Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics’ continuing efforts to advance maternal and prenatal care. By integrating genomics and foetal medicine, it supports evidence-based care and informed decision-making for expectant families.