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Dimapur, Aug 28 (EMN): Minister for Health and Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom on Friday inaugurated the integrated molecular diagnostic and research laboratory, also called the bio-safety level-2 (BSL-2) lab, at District Hospital Tuensang.
This is the third BSL lab being inaugurated since the first Covid-19 case was reported in Nagaland. The Tuensang lab was preceded by one each at Kohima and Dimapur.
Speaking at the programme to mark the inauguration of the lab in Tuensang, Phom said that the facility was not meant only for the diagnosis of Covid-19 but also for other diseases such as TB, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, which has a “very high incidence in this region”.
“With this facility given to you, I believe you can do the viral load of these various diseases instead of sending outside the state (for diagnosis),” said Phom.
According to the minister, setting up the lab was not an easy task, as it required comprehensive and detailed outline of the scientific framework with prerequisite manpower, space and funding in place.
“One of the important prerequisites is also specifying the need for engineering control to accomplish the desired task within the timeframe,” informed Phom.
He cited that the transportation of materials during the lockdown hampered the work plan as most of the equipment for construction were manufactured and procured from various parts of the country.
“Today is a happy moment for all of us because we have achieved what we needed the most. In this way, we will be able to tackle all these diseases with this sophisticated equipment given at your doorstep,” said Phom.
He encouraged the citizens of Tuensang to make the best use of the facility and also own the responsibility to take care of the property.
Further, the minister highlighted the rapid spread of Covid-19 and how it has brought normal life to a halt. However, the mortality rate is low compared to other diseases, he added.
“In this world of uncertainty, we are fighting with this new virus which is highly infectious. With every passing day, we are learning new things about the virus and we have also developed SOPs suitably to contain the spread,” Phom said while expressing gratitude to the frontline workers.
“We have the best manpower and international standard equipment; I am proud to announce today that we could set up the BSL lab in a short period of time,” shared the minister.
Phom further thanked and congratulated the department along with the people of Tuensang and all involved such as the CMO of Tuensang district hospital and Thermo-fisher (Hiranya Thakuria) in the completion of the laboratory.
The minister also thanked the state government and high-powered committee headed by the chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, for their unceasing support during the process.
“This facility will not only cater to Tuensang but also neighbouring districts like Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Mon; I am confident that the people of Tuensang along with the district hospital and CMO staff will do justice in serving our people,” said Phom.