AIZAWL, March 29 - The Zoram Medical College, Mizoram�s lone medical institute, has been working round-the-clock to set up a Bio-Safety Level-4 (BSL-4) laboratory to test samples for COVID-19.
The TB research centre at the medical college, formerly State Referral Hospital, is being upgraded to a BSL-4 lab and is expected to be ready next week, official sources said.
Four microbiologists are currently undergoing training at the Silchar Medical College on conducting the COVID-19 tests, the sources said, adding that once they return, they would be able to perform the tests.
As of now, samples are being sent to the Silchar Medical College by road, the nearest testing centre from Mizoram.
�As the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) wants to set up as many testing centres as possible, we hope to get license without much problem,� an official said.
From Saturday, the Zoram Medical College provided an ambulance for those who want to get tested but facing transportation problem. After one person was tested positive, Mizoram has so far sent 28 samples of which 26 tested negative and results of two samples are awaited.
Meanwhile, State Rural Development Minister Lalruatkima said arrangements would be made to provide daily employment to rural households under MGNREGS during the lockdown period. He also said that Rs 2000 each has been credited to the bank accounts of 16,350 farmers in the State on Saturday under the PM Kisan Scheme.
