Imphal: An interaction programme on Indian SARS-CoV-2 was held at IBSD, Takyel, Imphal Wednesday. The Programme was organised by the Department of Biotechnology, IBSD, Takyelpat, Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest Dr.S.Ranjan Singh, MLA, Advisor (Health) to the Chief Minister 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 variant which is mutating at various levels. It is important to have such kind of facility in our state to fight against the pandemic. With the new Genomics Sequencing Laboratory, we can identify the variant received from different laboratories from across the state.
He emphasized the need to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviours, teamwork, wearing a mask, social distancing and vaccination. The Covid has affected everything and we cannot overcome it unless we work and fight it as a team. He also appealed to the people to convince the public to come out and get vaccinated themselves as per schedule without any fear.
Principal Secretary (Health), FW and AYUSH Vumlunmang Vualnam said that Genomics Sequencing Facility was the first for Manipur and the northeast States and the 28th for our country which was inaugurated on the 10th July 2021 by the Chief Minister of Manipur.
He said that Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Sequencing equipment and facility have come through special efforts by the IBSD. He expressed his appreciation to IBSD, the entire team and the Department of Biotechnology Government of India which have facilitated Genomics Sequencing laboratories for the state of Manipur which would help to get the information about the variant more precisely, quickly and understanding the variant of Covid 19 . 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.
The officials also inspected PCR and Library Preparation Laboratory, Sample Processing Laboratory, Delta Analysis Room and Next Generation Sequencing Facility.
Director, Manipur Health Services Dr.K.Rajo Singh, Director, IBSD, Imphal Prof. Pulok Kumar Mukherjee also delivered speech in the function.
Department of Biotechnology officials, Managing Director Babina Diagnostic Centre Impha Dr.Th. Dhabali Singh and other dignitaries are present in the interaction programme.
