Dr Sedevi Angami explaining the functioning process of BSL-2 Lab to the visiting legislators at CIHSR on June 22. (DIPR Photo)
Dimapur, June 22 (MExN): The Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) laboratory at the Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR) in Dimapur is likely to be inaugurated within a few days time. The lab has already received the ICMR’s approval.
According to the State’s Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Health and Family Welfare Minister, S Pangnyu Phom said that the lab would be inaugurated within a few days time, during a final inspection of the ongoing installation works on June 22.
Director CISHR, Dr Sedevi Angami is also said to have informed that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has given approval for the laboratory and it would be operational once ICMR is satisfied with the ‘test sample done with BSL-2 and the results of which would be uploaded probably by tomorrow.’
“If ICMR are satisfied and happy they will give us the go ahead and the lab would be operational,” Dr Sedevi said. Noting the multi-utility of such labs, he also explained that the lab facility could be used for several other conditions like TB, HIV, Hepatitis, etc. and would immensely strengthen the medical infrastructure, the DIPR stated.
Further, Dr Sedevi also mentioned that many Naga medical scholars who are working and doing research in the ‘mainland’ will get opportunity to come and work in Nagaland with the installation of such facilities.
“Already 2 PhD Naga scholars have applied and one has already joined,” he informed.
Dr Nito Yepthomi, who will be heading the BSL 2 lab, informed the visiting officials that he would lead a team of 12 designated staff which will also comprise of 2 pathologists and 1 scientist who will be working in shifts.
He also informed that the present strength of 12 staff would be able to test around 150 to 200 samples but said that more personnel would be required if more than 200 samples are received per day.
As per the DIPR, the Minister along with Advisor for IPR, SCERT and VG, Toshi Wungtung, visited the processing room, the RNA extraction room, sample storage room kept at minus 80 degree Celsius, etc. under the guidance of Dr Sedevi and Dr Nito Yepthomi.
