What is precision medicine and how is it different from regular treatment? Regular treatment: same drug, same dose for everyone with the same diagnosis. Precision medicine: treatment tailored to a patient's specific genetic makeup, lifestyle, and biomarkers. The result is fewer side effects, better response rates, and less trial-and-error prescribing — especially in oncology. Why does this matter specifically for Indian patients? India has 1.46 million new cancer cases every year, with over 800,000 deaths annually. Additionally, nearly 70 million Indians have rare diseases — most of them undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because genomic screening isn't routine. NCDs account for nearly two-thirds of all deaths in India. Genomics helps you catch these early and treat them correctly the first time. What genetic tests are actually available in India today? Whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing are available through labs like MedGenome, Strand Life Sciences, and major hospital networks. BRCA1/2 testing for breast and ovarian cancer risk is now standard in many oncology centres. Pharmacogenomics panels (for drug metabolism genes like CYP2D6, CYP2C19) are increasingly being used to personalise psychiatric and cardiology drug choices. When should I order a genomic test for my patient? Strong indications: suspected hereditary cancer syndrome, rare or undiagnosed disease in a child, treatment resistance in cancer (to check for targetable mutations), and family history of genetic disease. For common chronic diseases, genomics adds value when standard treatments aren't working or when you need to choose between drug options. Is genomics covered by insurance in India? Coverage is limited and inconsistent. Some corporate health plans cover BRCA testing and specific cancer mutation panels. Ayushman Bharat does not yet cover comprehensive genomic profiling. Costs have dropped significantly — whole exome sequencing can now be done under ₹15,000–₹25,000 at accredited labs, which makes it discussable with middle-income patients.