Interaction programme on SARS-CoV-2 held
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, July 14 2021:
An interaction programme on SARS-CoV-2 was held at IBSD, Takyel, Imphal today.
The programme was organised by the Department of Biotechnology, IBSD, Takyelpat, Imphal.
On the occasion, Dr S Ranjan Singh, MLA, Advisor (Health) to the Chief Minister said that it is a moment of pride that our State has the first genomics sequencing facility for COVID-19 for identification of a variant which is mutating at various levels.
It is important to have such a facility in our State to fight against the pandemic, he said and added, "With the new Genomics Sequencing Laboratory we can identify the variant received from different laboratories from across the State.
He emphasized the need to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviours to defeat the pandemic.
He also appealed to the people to convince the public to come out and get vaccinated themselves as per schedule without any fear.
Principal Secretary (Health), FW and AYUSH Vumlunmang Vualnam said that Genomics Sequencing Facility was the first for Manipur and the North East States and the 28th for the country which was inaugurated on the 10th July 2021 by the Chief Minister.
He said that Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Sequencing equipment and facilities have come through special efforts by the IBSD.
He maintained that the laboratories can receive samples not only from Manipur but also from other North East States too.
He encouraged IBSD, all members of the Scientific community to continue contributing in the field of scientific research and knowledge to fight the pandemic.
The officials also inspected PCR and Library Preparation Laboratory, Sample Processing Laboratory, Delta Analysis Room and Next Generation Sequencing Facility.
Director, Manipur Health Services Dr K Rajo Singh, Director, IBSD, Imphal Prof Pulok Kumar Mukherjee also delivered speech in the function.
Department of Biotechnology officials, Managing Director Babina Diagnostic Centre Impha Dr Th Dhabali Singh and other dignitaries were also present.