Reliance Industries Ltd is preparing to introduce advanced genetic testing services at sharply reduced prices, potentially costing under ₹1,000, which could significantly disrupt India’s healthcare sector.
The company plans to roll out this initiative across specialised healthcare testing and genomic sciences by using Strand Life Sciences, the Bengaluru-based genomics and diagnostics firm it acquired in 2021 for ₹393 crore.
Reliance to Launch Low-Cost Genetic Testing Using Strand Life Sciences
Genetic or genomic tests study DNA from blood, saliva, or tissue samples and are increasingly used to evaluate disease risk, track cancer progression, and support personalised treatment decisions.
Despite their medical value, these tests have seen limited adoption because of high prices, with even basic genomic tests typically costing around ₹10,000.
RIL’s approach is focused on drastically cutting prices so that genomic testing becomes accessible to people across all income levels, according to company executives.
Nilesh Modi, director at Strand Life Sciences, said the company wants to “make an impact” and described the effort as “Jio-fication in genomics,” highlighting the ambition to scale and democratise access.
Reliance Targets Major Price Cuts for CancerSpot Early Cancer Test
As a mid-term goal, the company aims to bring down the price of its CancerSpot early cancer screening test to about ₹9,999 and eventually reduce it further into the triple-digit price range.
Lower pricing is expected to be achieved through advances in scientific methods, assay and laboratory engineering, as well as by leveraging economies of scale.
Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani has earlier identified genomics as a key area capable of driving major improvements in healthcare outcomes.
This genomics push aligns with the group’s broader strategy to expand into digital health, life sciences, and AI-driven healthcare solutions.
If the plan succeeds, it could reshape preventive healthcare in India by moving genetic testing out of specialised centres and into routine medical practice.
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