Metropolis Healthcare has launched a Centre for Genomics to significantly expand its specialty diagnostics capabilities in India. The company plans to more than double its genomics test menu from the current 220 tests to 500 over the next two years, marking a major strategic expansion in advanced diagnostics.

Strategic Focus on Genomics Testing

Executive Chairperson Ameera Shah explained that genomics tests differ fundamentally from routine pathology tests like cholesterol or blood sugar screenings. These specialized tests target cancer, stroke, immune disorders and rare genetic conditions, where identifying underlying mutations enables doctors to select appropriate treatments more quickly and accurately.

"Genomics is not just another test," Shah emphasized. "It changes how we diagnose and predict diseases." She noted that inaccurate diagnoses often lead patients to try multiple drugs without success, while genomics allows doctors to act earlier with greater clarity.

Revenue Contribution and Growth Strategy

The company's specialty testing segment demonstrates strong performance metrics:

Shah explained that while margins in percentage terms may be lower than routine pathology tests, earnings per patient are higher because multiple tests are typically conducted from a single sample. The genomics segment is expected to support margin expansion over time by improving service quality and depth.

Comprehensive Genomics Approach

Metropolis is positioning itself uniquely in the Indian market by combining multiple elements at its new Centre for Genomics:

• Genomics testing capabilities
• Genetic counselling services
• Clinical expertise
• Bioinformatics support

Shah noted that only a small number of laboratories in India currently offer genomics testing, presenting a significant market opportunity for expansion.

Expansion and Acquisition Strategy

The company is pursuing a balanced growth approach across multiple fronts. For genomics, Metropolis plans to build capabilities internally rather than through acquisitions in this specific segment. However, the company will continue selective "bolt-on" acquisitions in other areas, similar to recent deals in Dehradun, Agra and Kolhapur to expand its network reach.

Radiology Services Development

Metropolis is also expanding its radiology offerings beyond current basic services:

This diversification strategy aims to provide comprehensive diagnostic solutions under one platform.

Market Position

Metropolis Healthcare currently maintains a market capitalization of approximately ₹9,838.00 crore. The company's shares have remained relatively stable over the past year as it focuses on building long-term capabilities in specialty diagnostics and genomics testing.

Metropolis Healthcare Limited announced the launch of its Centre of Genomics on Tuesday, January 13, representing a major strategic expansion into precision diagnostics, molecular testing and genomic research in India. The initiative positions the diagnostics chain to significantly enhance its capabilities in advanced genetic testing and analysis.

Infrastructure and Laboratory Network

The Centre of Genomics will be supported by two CAP-accredited genomics laboratories strategically located in Mumbai and Delhi NCR. These facilities will focus on delivering high-impact clinical services across multiple specialties:

Technology Platform and Expansion Plans

Metropolis Healthcare has outlined ambitious growth targets for its genomic testing capabilities. The company plans to expand its genomic portfolio from the current base of more than 220 validated assays to over 500 advanced tests within the next two to three years.

As part of the technological infrastructure, Metropolis has deployed Illumina's NovaSeq X Series sequencing platform specifically for research purposes. This platform significantly enhances throughput and accuracy in genomic analysis while strengthening the company's next-generation sequencing (NGS) infrastructure and supporting advanced bioinformatics and clinical interpretation.

Leadership Vision and Clinical Integration

Ameera Shah, Promoter and Executive Chairperson of Metropolis Healthcare Limited, explained that the Centre of Genomics brings together orthogonal, cross-platform technologies with advanced data analytics and AI-driven trend correlations. The approach is supported by strong clinical stewardship from subject-matter experts, a multi-specialty Medical Advisory Board, and dedicated clinical support teams, enabling the company to build one of India's most comprehensive and clinically integrated genomic diagnostic platforms.

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer at Metropolis Healthcare, emphasized that the Centre aims to translate advanced genomic science into actionable clinical insights. The Centre of Genomics is benchmarked against leading global genomic laboratories in terms of breadth, quality, and clinical integration, while remaining closely aligned to India-specific disease patterns and care pathways.

Strategic Applications and Partnerships

The centre will serve multiple strategic functions beyond routine diagnostic testing. It will operate as a platform for AI-enabled analytics, continuous test development and deeper digital integration. Additionally, the facility will support pharmaceutical programs, clinical trials and global research partnerships, expanding Metropolis Healthcare's role in the broader healthcare ecosystem.

Suchita Dayanand, Country Head – India (Commercial) at Illumina, noted that as Illumina expands its presence in India, the mission is to make advanced sequencing technologies more accessible across the country.

Recent Financial Performance

In its Q3 business update released earlier this month, Metropolis Healthcare reported strong financial performance with consolidated revenue increasing 26.00% year-on-year. This growth was driven by sustained momentum in preventive and wellness checkups under TruHealth, along with a strong increase in specialty testing volumes across both B2C and B2B channels.

The standalone revenue growth of approximately 15.00% was attributed to increased patient and test volumes and a favourable shift in product mix and realisations. Shares of Metropolis Healthcare opened in green on Tuesday and were trading flat at ₹1,876.30 as of 11.49 am.