Unlocking the Genetic Code: The Role and Relevance of Genetic Counsellors in Today’s World – A Global Perspective with a Deep Dive into India and State-Level Comparisons

Authors

  • Ishan Maheshbhai Shukla
  • Ramakanta Prusty

Keywords:

Genetic counselling, India, genomics, public health, workforce distribution, Board of Genetic Counseling, policy, healthcare equity

Abstract

Genetic counselling plays a pivotal role in modern medicine by translating complex genomic information into patient-centred guidance. Globally, the profession has evolved into a cornerstone of personalized healthcare. In India, however, the field remains underdeveloped, despite a high burden of genetic disorders and growing genomic awareness. This paper examines the global status of genetic counselling, outlines India's fragmented landscape, compares state-level capacities, and explores regulatory challenges. Special attention is given to Gujarat and Karnataka as regional case studies. Appendix A provides visual data, workforce estimates, and trend projections, reinforcing the need for regulatory recognition, expanded training, and equitable service distribution across India

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References

Board of Genetic Counseling. (2023). Guidelines for genetic counselling training and certification in India. Hyderabad, India: Board of Genetic Counseling.

Gujarat State Health Department. (2022). Annual report: Thalassemia and sickle cell screening and prevention program. Government of Gujarat, Directorate of Health Services.

Indian Society of Genetic Medicine. (2023). Status report on clinical genetic services and workforce in India. Proceedings of the ISGM Annual Conference. Bengaluru, India.

Kerala State Health Mission. (2024). Annual maternal and child health report. Thiruvananthapuram, India: Government of Kerala.

National Society of Genetic Counselors. (2023). What is genetic counseling? https://www.nsgc.org

Ormond, K. E., Laurino, M. Y., Barlow-Stewart, K., Wessels, T. M., & Burke, W. (2018). Genetic counseling globally: Where are we now? American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics, 178(1), 98–107. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31603

Sheth, J., Sheth, F., & Trivedi, H. (2020). Awareness and utilization of genetic counseling in urban India: A hospital-based cross-sectional study. Journal of Genetic Counseling in India, 1(1), 23–30

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Published

2025-09-29

How to Cite

1.
Shukla IM, Prusty R. Unlocking the Genetic Code: The Role and Relevance of Genetic Counsellors in Today’s World – A Global Perspective with a Deep Dive into India and State-Level Comparisons. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025Sep.29 [cited 2025Oct.1];14(32S):8661-7. Available from: https://www.jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/9249

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 32S (2025): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

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