H&FW Minister Pangnyu for aggressive testing

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. (DIPR Photo)

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. (DIPR Photo)

Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 27


The much anticipated Biosafety Level (BSL) -2 laboratory at the CIHSR, Dimapur was inaugurated today by Minister for Health & Family Welfare (H&FW), 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." He informed that the BSL-2 laboratory in Tuensang would likely be completed by July-end, which would further augment testing capacity. 


He added that Nagaland has seen a steady increase in cases but one must not panic as all the cases (so far) have been detected in institutional quarantine facilities. “Many restrictions have been lifted but it does not mean the pandemic is over. Please follow the government guidelines.”


"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 Minister Jacob Zhimomi, alluding to 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, Kesonyu Yhome emphasised on the huge potential the laboratories hold for a wide array of research. 


Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) Director, Dr Sedevi Angami 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. He thanked the Nagaland state government for “giving the lab to the CIHSR and the people of Nagaland” and added that virology laboratories enhance the capability to detect emerging diseases. The CIHSR’s dream, he said, is to channel its resources to reach even the remotest areas of the state.


He further pointed out a fairly discouraging community response, vis-à-vis stigma and discrimination and (lack of) community support to the COVID-19 positive, to the pandemic in Nagaland. According to him, “We haven’t learned from HIV,” and that huge amount of work needs to be done on public awareness and sensitization with respect to community response.


Secretary Yhome further informed The Morung Express that once the BSL-2 laboratory goes operational, it can test 45-80 samples per day initially. He however added that the BSL-3 in Kohima started with 3 samples a day. 


The laboratory would go operational once the ICMR issues a unique ID (or login credentials) to the CIHSR. "We may get it today," he said.

 

Running cost
On the question of sustaining the operation of the laboratory, it was informed that the state government through the National Health Mission will be funding its operation initially for a period of 6 months. NHM, Mission Director Dr Kevichusa Medikhru said, “But it’s subject to how long the pandemic persists. Once the pandemic is declared over, CIHSR will take care of the facility,” he said.