Minister S Pangnyu Phom with colleagues, state Health officials and others during the inauguration of BSL-2 laboratory at the CIHSR, Dimapur on June 27. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 27
The much anticipated BSL-2 laboratory at the CIHSR, Dimapur was inaugurated today by Minister for Health & Family Welfare S Pangnyu Phom. He was accompanied by his Assembly colleagues and state Health officials.
Phom termed it as a significant day for Nagaland "because we could complete 2 BSL labs under difficult circumstances and within 2 months."
While stating that the two laboratories are in addition to the TrueNats, he said, "Our attempt is to conduct maximum and aggressive testing."
"We were under tremendous pressure from the people. But today, we are happy that the dream is fulfilled. Appreciate all the people involved," said PHED Minster Jacob Zhimomi, while making a pointed remark on the perceived priority given by the state government to the BSL-3 laboratory in Kohima over the BSL-2 in a more populous Dimapur.
Secretary, H & FW, Kesonye Yhome emphasised on the "huge potential" the laboratories hold for the future for research.
He informed that once the BSL-2 goes operational, it can test 45-80 samples per day initially. He though added a word of caution stating that the BSL-3 in Kohima started with 3 samples a day.
The laboratory would likely go operational today once the ICMR issues a unique ID (or login credentials) to the CIHSR. "We may get it today," he said.
The CIHSR Director, Dr Sedevi also emphasised on the potential the facility would serve for research while stating that it will attract scholars to the state.
"The BSL lab is a safe facility for those who work inside and for those who live outside. Everything that goes in is sterilised. People need not be scared. It is extremely safe," he said.
