IBSD organises interaction prog on INSACOG facility
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 14 2021: Institute of Bioresources and sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat conducted an interaction programme in connection with the newly opened Indian SARS- CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) sequencing facility at the institute on Wednesday.

The programme held at the hall of IBSD was attended by advisor to chief minister (Health) MLA Dr S Ranjan Singh, principal secretary (Health) Vumlunmang Vualnam, Health Services director Dr K Rajo Singh, IBSD director Pulok Kumar Mukherjee and Babina Diagnostic Centre managing director Dr Th Dhabali Singh as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Dr S Ranjan expressed that it is a moment of pride that the state has the first Genomics Sequencing Facility for Covid-19 for identification of Covid-19 variant which is mutating at various levels.

It is important to have such kind of facility in the state to fight the pandemic.

With the new Genomics Sequencing Laboratory, variants can be identified from the samples received from different laboratories across the state.

He emphasised on the need for following Covid-19 appropriate behaviour, team work, wearing mask, social distancing and vaccination to contain the pandemic.

"Covid has affected everything and we cannot overcome the situation unless we work and fight it as a team," the MLA said, while appealing to the people to get vaccinated as per schedule without any fear.

Vumlunmang Vualnam stated that Genomics Sequencing Facility set up at IBSD is the first such facility not only in Manipur but also in the North East region and the 28th such in the country.

He said that Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Sequencing equipment and facility have been set up because of the special efforts put in by the IBSD.

He also appreciated the IBSD, the entire team and Department of Biotechnology, Government of India for facilitating setting up the Genomics Sequencing laboratory in Manipur which would help to get information about the variant more precisely, quickly and help in understanding the variants of Covid-19.Vumlunmang further mentioned that the laboratory can receive samples not only from Manipur but also from other North East states.

He encouraged IBSD, all members of scientific community to continue efforts 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.

It may be mentioned that INSACOG is a multi-laboratory, multi-agency, pan-India network to monitor genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2 by sentinel sequencing effort.

Through this INSACOG network the whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV- 2 virus across the nation could be done, and help in understanding how the virus spreads and evolves.

Any changes to the genetic code, or mutations, can be observed in the samples and provide information to aid public health response to identify the new variants evolving from mutation.

INSACOG also aims to focus on sequencing of clinical samples to understand the disease dynamics and severity.

IBSD has taken a lead role in establishing the facility in the state.

Now the samples could be tested in the INSACOG facility where genome sequencing of SARS COV-2 will be performed for not only Manipur but also of other states of the region.

Comment