PHED Minister inaugurates TrueNat Testing Centre
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, June 27 2020:
Giving a relief to the denizens of Senapati district when the world is fighting against the dreaded disease of COVID-19, PHED Minister L Dikho inaugurated TrueNat Testing Centre at Senapati today.
The inauguration ceremony organised by the District Health Society, Senapati at District Hospital, Senapati was attended by different personalities such as Dy Chairman (Medical), ADC, Senapati, district SP, CMO, doctors, SDOs, CSOs and IRCS, Youth Brigade, Senapati branch.
Lalithambigai K, Chairman/DC, District Health Society, Senapati, in her speech, stated that the installation of the testing machine would ease the trouble of sending the samples to Imphal.
The machine can be used for testing COVID-19 and other diseases when in need, the DC mentioned and called this day an important milestone for the district in the fight against COVID-19 .
The DC also expressed gratitude to the Minister, ADC Chairman for all their initiatives to help the people at this troubling time.
Dr L Muanching, DTO who is also in charge of the TrueNat Testing Centre, mentioned that True Nucleic Acid Application Test is a PCR based diagnostic equipment which can also be used for diagnosis of various other diseases like TB, malaria, influenza, H1N1, hepatitis C, Rabies, etc.
The in-charge doctor also stated that the State Government has already given its approval to begin the testing but awaiting ICMR approval.
She mentioned that a microbiologist and 8 technicians have been contacted for the testing.
With 2 machines, 4 samples can be reportedly tested in an hour where about 40 samples can be tested in a day with a possibility of 10 working hours on a roster basis per day.
The testing is stated to cost about Rs 2,400/- per testing, excluding frontline workers and BPL families.
Speaking as the chief guest, L Dikho expressed gratitude to all on behalf of the State Government for shouldering the responsibilities together in the fight against the pandemic.
It is reported that the machine would be installed at Ukhrul, Churachandpur and Jiribam districts.
The Minister also thanked Chief Minister N Biren Singh for his concern for the people of hill districts.