Imphal, July 15: After inaugurating the first Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) Sequencing Facility in Northeast in Manipur, an interaction programme on Indian SARS-CoV-2 was held at Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat in the outskirt of Imphal on Wednesday.
Advisor (Health) to the Chief Minister Dr.S.Ranjan Singh, Principal Secretary (Health, FW and AYUSH) Vumlunmang Vualnam, Director(Health Services) Dr K Rajo Singh,Director, (IBSD) Prof Pulok Kumar Mukherjee, Managing Director (Babina Diagnostic Centre)Dr Th Dhabali Singh,senior health officials and scientists of IBSD attended the interaction session.
Speaking on the occasion Dr.Ranjan Singh who is also the sitting MLA of Konthoujam assembly constituency in Imphal West district said that it is a moment of pride that our state has the first Genomics Sequencing facility for Covid-19 for identification of Covid-19 variants.
Stating that it is important to have such a facility in our state to fight against the pandemic, he said,"With the new Genomics Sequencing Lab,we can identify the variant received from different laboratories of the state." Emphasizing the need to follow Covid 19 appropriate behaviours, health advisor to CM also appealed to the masses to get vaccinated themselves as per schedule and stay safe. "We cannot overcome it unless we work and fight it as a team," he felt.
Sharing his feeling, Principal Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) Vumlunmang Vualnam said that Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Sequencing equipment and facilities have come through special efforts by the IBSD.
He expressed his appreciation to IBSD and the central authority who has facilitated Genomics Sequencing lab,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 efforts in the field of Scientific research and knowledge to fight against the pandemic.
Director(Health Services) Dr Rajo Singh,Director, (IBSD) Prof Pulok Kumar Mukherjee and Managing Director (Babina Diagnostic Centre)Dr Th Dhabali also spoke on the occasion.Later the officials inspected PCR and Library Preparation Laboratory, Sample Processing Laboratory, Delta Analysis Room and Next Generation Sequencing Facility of IBSD.
The first Genomics Sequencing Facility for Manipur and the North east States and the 28th for our country which was inaugurated on July 10 by the Chief Minister of Manipur.
