MDCRCINDIA

We started off as Molecular Diagnostic Facility (MDF) supported by Stitching Porticus, a Dutch grant, coordinated through Sundaram Medical Foundation, Chennai in 2006. MDF’s initial focus was on Molecular Diagnostics for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). MDF soon became a state of the art facility which provided free services in a professional manner. The diagnostic services expanded from simple multiplex PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to advanced technique, MLPA (Multiplex Ligation Probe Amplification). Though, our initial venture was to perform only molecular diagnostic services, our close interaction with the affected children and their families showed that our responsibilities do not end there. So, we started genetic counseling services and by the year 2008, we were the only centre in Tamil Nadu to offer genetic counseling for DMD patients. Carrier analysis is also done in families with Duchenne kids to prevent the disease passing onto the next generation. A well organised DNA bank is established for future research Dr. B.R. Lakshmi, our founder, is an alumnus of Avinashilingam University. She believed in the ideals of Dr. Avinashilingam, the founder of the institution, of taking science to the community. Our identical ideals led us to associate with Avinashilingam University as an alumni initiative. After its association with Avinashilingam University, MDF metamorphosed into an organization with a holistic approach to identify, prevent, treat and manage the disorder. To better reflect this all-inclusive approach, MDF became “Molecular Diagnostics, Counseling, Care and Research Centre” (MDCRC). From September 2011, MDCRC has become an independent, not-for-profit charitable organization, which started its work focusing on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).