New Genetic Screening Lab in Moga Enhances Maternal and Child Health

A new genetic testing laboratory has been established at the Mother & Child Ward of Civil Hospital in Moga, enhancing maternal and child health through the provision of free genetic screening and counselling for pregnant women. This initiative, known as “Umeed,” is a collaborative effort between the Punjab Government and PGIMER Chandigarh, officially launched on August 31, 2025.

The lab conducts screenings using dried blood spot testing to identify treatable genetic disorders, including congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, galactosemia, thalassemias, G6PD deficiency, and biotinidase deficiency. According to the Deputy Commissioner of Moga, Sagar Setia, the facility aims to detect serious diseases in children before birth, allowing for timely medical intervention. He described the project as a pivotal advancement in improving health outcomes for mothers and their newborns in the region.

“This initiative is designed to diagnose genetic disorders at an early stage, save lives, and ensure the well-being of families,” Setia stated. The program is expected to benefit approximately 10,000 pregnant women in Moga through HbA2 screening using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to detect thalassemia disorders. If both partners are identified as carriers of thalassemia, comprehensive prenatal testing will follow.

Since January 2025, around 3,059 pregnant women have been tested at the lab, with 102 women diagnosed with genetic blood disorders. Additionally, 1,029 children have also undergone genetic testing. This project is part of the Aspirational District Program implemented by the Department of Biotechnology, under the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of India.

To maximize outreach, pregnant women are being informed about the lab’s services through various health outreach programs, including Aam Aadmi Clinics, health centres, and anganwadi centres. Setia urged the public to take advantage of this scheme, emphasizing that early detection of genetic disorders can lead to appropriate treatment and healthier lives for mothers and their children.

The establishment of the genetic screening lab in Moga marks a significant step forward in public health, with its comprehensive approach to testing and education poised to improve outcomes for families across the region.