RNA Extractor Kit and Real Time-PCR to help RIMS fight Covid-19

Our Correspondent

Imphal, May 1 (EMN): Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat in Manipur, on Friday handed over one RNA Extractor Kit and one Real Time-PCR to the Medical Superintendant of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal.

The instrument was given by IBSD on the request of the authority of RIMS to supplement the existing functioning of VRDL works in the healthcare facility for detecting the Covid-19 in the backdrop of likely return of many stranded persons to Manipur, batch-by-batch.

RT-PCR is one of the most accurate laboratory methods for detecting, tracking, and studying the Coronavirus. Each Covid-19 test requires one RNA extraction kit without which RT-PCR test cannot be done under the current testing methods.

The initiative of sparing the said equipment along with consumables was taken up under the guidance of Director of the institute, Prof. Pulok K Mukherjee. He congratulated the whole team of the RIMS who are doing “yeoman’s service” during the tough time of fighting the pandemic.

The IBSD team is ready to extend any possible help with the available resources at the institute for fighting the Covid-19. The authority of the institute would like to appreciate the commendable services provided by the RIMS during this global health crisis, it said.

It may be mentioned that IBSD had earlier lend one Real Time-PCR to JNIMS and other consumables for testing Covid-19 to the state Health department. The institute also distributed hand sanitisers to few media persons, police and sanitary workers of Imphal Municipal Council just before the announcement of national lockdown.

Import of pig banned

In view of the outbreak of infection suspected to be ‘African swine fever’ and high mortality of pigs in the neighbouring states, the government of Manipur has imposed a “ban on import of pigs” from outside the state and neighbouring country Myanmar with immediate effect.

Commissioner of the state Home department has issued a notification in this regard on Thursday. No live pigs or pork will be allowed to be brought into the state, it said. The notification was issued in pursuance of the directive of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, department of Agriculture Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.