The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has teamed up with the Indian Railways Finance Corporation (IRFC) to open India’s very first Single Cell Omics Translational (SCOT) Research Laboratory. This new lab, located on the IIT campus, aims to enhance India’s healthcare system by merging engineering and medical research.
Inaugurated recently, the SCOT Lab is equipped with advanced tools for early diagnosis, disease prognosis, and drug screening. It will focus on a variety of diseases, including cancer and metabolic disorders. With a funding grant of ₹10.83 crore from IRFC, this facility marks a significant step forward in single-cell biological research and drug discovery.
The opening ceremony featured notable figures like Prof V. Kamakoti, the Director of IIT Madras, and Manoj Kumar Dubey, the Chairman and MD of IRFC. They emphasized the importance of bridging engineering and healthcare to boost India’s capabilities in precision medicine.
Prof Kamakoti remarked, “This collaboration with IRFC is a major step in transforming drug discovery in India.” He highlighted how the lab could lead to early diagnostics and targeted therapies. Usha Venugopal from the Ministry of Railways added that the lab would strengthen the nation’s medical research and improve health outcomes.
Single-cell research is crucial for understanding diseases at a granular level. This innovative approach enables personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients. In a survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research, 65% of doctors believe personalized medicine will be a game-changer for patient care in the next decade.
IRFC’s commitment to this project underscores its dedication to supporting healthcare innovations in India. As Dubey pointed out, the lab not only aims to advance research but also aligns with national health goals.
With the SCOT lab up and running, IIT Madras paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape healthcare in India.
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IRFC, SCOT LAB, MAKE IN INDIA, IIT MADRAS, THE LABORATORY, INAUGURATED ON THE IIT CAMPUS ON MONDAY, MARKS A PIONEERING STEP
