Noida Child PGI set to start congenital tests for newborns, second in UP

Noida: Child PGI will soon begin tests and screenings to detect congenital diseases in newborns. According to officials, this is the second institute in UP to offer such tests, after Sanjay Gandhi Child PGI in Lucknow. The tests are likely to begin by the end of May. A budget of Rs 80 lakh has been sanctioned by the state govt for the same.
Congenital diseases such as thyroid and vitamin deficiency, among others, often result in stagnant growth in children. These tests will help identify the diseases at an early stage. Assessments and tests will be available at a cost of Rs 200-300.

"At least one of every 800-1000 children is born with congenital disorders. When the child is one or two years of age, the symptoms become noticeable. In most cases, physical growth stops. If these tests are run immediately after birth, the diseases can be detected and controlled with medication," said Dr Usha Bindal, HOD at the department of biochemistry, Noida Child PGI.
"Congenital diseases can result from genetic abnormalities, environmental factors, or a combination of both. These diseases can affect various organs and can be detected before birth, after birth, or later in life. Phenylketonuria (PKU), genetic disorders such as down syndrome (Trisomy 21), cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anaemia are some of the most common ones," said the doctor.
In 2023, Child PGI signed an MoU with Neuberg Diagnostics to conduct free tests for various genetic disorders such as congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, galactosemia, biotinidase deficiency and cystic fibrosis.