Bangalore Gastro Centre - First Hospital To Introduce A Gut Microbiome Testing Kit

Bangalore Gastro Centre (BGC) signs MOU with 3BIGS to transform the diagnostic experience in India

Bangalore Gastro Centre will be the first hospital to introduce a gut microbiome testing kit with the support of AI and data mining. The Bangalore Gastro Centre (BGC), a pioneer in top-quality specialist care for all digestive disorders, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 3BIGS from South Korea, a global healthcare leader in handling Biodata and Artificial Intelligence technology to transform the diagnostic experience in India. The agreement was sealed in the presence of Dr Yogananda Reddy, Director and Chief Gastroenterologist of Bangalore Gastro Centre and Dr Junhyung Park, Founder and CEO of 3BIGS. The collaboration aims to provide end-to-end customized diagnostic services from collecting samples to recommending a nutritionist/doctor to provide the right medical support. Bangalore Gastro Centre (BGC) is the first hospital to establish this service in India. This collaboration will give access to the doctors from Bangalore Gastro Centre who will develop the gut microbiome test kit to help provide accurate results. This kit will soon be accessible by patients as well as a larger audience.

The collaboration also aims to be future-ready to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI), genome sequencing, data mining, and develop various technologies and products for quick aces to results. In India, currently getting accurate results for digestive disorders is hobbled by a lack of accessibility, limited research laboratories, high-priced testing kits, and time-consuming methods. This new gut microbiome test kit will bring the people of India closer to an innovative and futuristic healthcare option.

Dr Yogananda Reddy, Director and Chief Gastroenterologist of Bangalore Gastro Centre, says, “It’s a great honour for us to collaborate with 3BIGS, who are pioneers in data mining, and experts in AI and bioinformatics. It is for the first time that a South Korean firm is collaborating with an Indian hospital to develop a gut microbe tech testing kit for the benefit of the people at large. This product will be accessible and affordable to all, and will help prevent the onset of gut issues and improve gut health as the first step to boosting overall health.”

The Bangalore Gastro Centre (BGC) is known to be Karnataka's top gastro centre. It has a team of highly qualified professionals who can treat a range of gastrointestinal conditions ranging from acidity and liver problems to cancers.

Dr Junhyung Park, Founder and CEO of 3BIGS, says, “We are highly privileged to collaborate with Bangalore Gastro Centre as they are known to be the best in providing world-class digestive healthcare facilities in India. There is an increase in cases of chronic digestive issues found among the younger population globally. And with an increase in cases, it is essential to get a quick and accurate diagnosis to avoid end-stage diseases.”

“We were looking at collaborating with a hospital that has a futuristic approach, believes in innovation and adopts advanced technology for seamless growth in the diagnostic market. This association will certainly change the dynamics of the healthcare industry in India.”

The patient can order the gut microbiome testing kit sitting at home. The collected samples will be QR-coded and sent to research laboratories, where the testing will take place. The patient can track the entire process seamlessly and receive real-time updates and test reports on exclusive Android/iOS application on their phones. Based on the results, the patient will be connected to the doctor and nutritionist with the generated report to get a personalised treatment or diet plan tailored to rejuvenate or bring about the lost balance in the gut microbiome composition to correct the root cause of the health issue.

Human bodies are home to trillions of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which coexist with us peacefully. However, poor lifestyle and dietary habits, mental stress, ageing, and antibiotics can cause imbalances in the gut microbial composition. This imbalance, called dysbiosis, causes chronic digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, gut infections, liver disease, food intolerances, and colorectal cancer. The prevalence of digestive disorders, both physiological and pathological, is increasing in India, even in younger people. These rising numbers call for early screening for digestive disorders and effective treatment.

This gut microbial composition will be fully capable of predicting the health conditions of a person who might suffer in the future, which can prevent premature death.

The launch of the testing kit will help Bangalore Gastro Centre (BCG) create a massive database with the help of 3BIGS’ technology. Once this collaboration becomes a success, the hospital will bring in more products that will give a boost to diagnostic methods in India.