Dr. Deepa Bhat is a Professor of Anatomy at JSS Medical College, Mysuru, and a nationally recognized Genetic Counsellor deeply committed to advancing rare disease care and research in India. Her pioneering work in sickle cell disease (SCD) and hemoglobinopathies bridges cutting-edge genomics with inclusive public health strategies, transforming care for tribal, poor, and underserved communities. She has led multiple large-scale, multi-state projects funded by premier agencies such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Wellcome Trust, creating sustainable models for SCD screening, digital follow-up, stigma reduction, and health system strengthening. A passionate mentor and educator, Dr. Bhat has nurtured a new generation of physician-scientists and genetic counsellors, championing self-directed learning, curriculum innovation, and evidence-informed policy. Known for her visionary approach and grassroots impact, she continues to shape India’s national rare disease agenda with scientific rigor, compassion, and community empowerment.
About Us
The Centre for Genomic and Tribal Health (CGTH) at JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER) aims to advance precision medicine and public health by integrating state-of-the-art genomic science with community-embedded approaches to improve the health of poor, low-income, tribal and other underserved populations in India. CGTH focuses on the molecular and population-level understanding of sickle cell disease, thalassemia, hemophilia, and a spectrum of rare genetic disorders, while simultaneously contributing to the design of equitable, context-responsive health systems.
Building on more than a decade of field-based research in hemoglobinopathies and rare diseases, the Centre employs advanced molecular diagnostics, high-throughput sequencing, and population genomics alongside implementation science methodologies and culturally informed health education strategies. Core functions include capacity building and training of physicians, genetic counsellors, nurses, and frontline health workers; development of validated clinical and public health tools to strengthen early detection and comprehensive care pathways; and systems-level research to inform and refine policy and service delivery.
CGTH advances disease registries, digital health solutions, translational genomics, and outreach programs targeted to resource-constrained and geographically isolated settings. Through policy engagement and multi-sectoral partnerships, including support for the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, the Centre contributes to national and global knowledge on genomics-driven health equity.
Its overarching goal is to generate rigorous scientific evidence, improve access to genomic innovations, and reduce health inequities among socioeconomically disadvantaged and tribal populations.
Vision
To be a leading academic centre that advances genomic science and strengthens health systems to reduce the burden of sickle cell disease, thalassemia, hemophilia, and other rare genetic disorders, with a strategic focus on tribal, economically disadvantaged, and other underserved populations.
Mission
To integrate cutting-edge genomics with inclusive public health practice by conducting advanced research, capacity building, and implementation studies; to improve early detection, comprehensive care, and health outcomes for individuals - particularly those from economically and socially marginalized, tribal, and underserved communities - affected by blood and rare genetic disorders; and to inform national policy and clinical practice through rigorous evidence generation and ethical advocacy.
