Equipment for installation of Biosafety Lab-2 laboratory in Tuensang are seen in this photo tweeted by Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Minister, S Pangnyu Phom on July 1. (Photo Courtesy: @pangnyu / Twitter)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 1
The first batch of equipment for installation of Biosafety Lab -2 (BSL-2) laboratory have reached Tuensang ‘safely’, a state health authority today.
“First batch of equipments for installation of BSL-2 Lab at Tuensang has reached safely. The Technical work will be done on war footing,” (sic) Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Minister, S Pangnyu Phom updated on Twitter on the evening of July 1.
“We anticipate cooperation from all CSOs of the region for its early completion. The Dept will continue to usher the best health facilities,” he added.
On May 27, the Nagaland Government had given assurance that a BSL-2 laboratory would be installed at the earliest in the district.
The assurance came amidst public outcry after a COVID-19 positive patient was sent to Tuensang along with others before the result of his test was received.
After the faux pas, the Government scrambled to make amends by taking a series of decisions, chief among which was to establish a BSL-2 laboratory in Tuensang district headquarter.
The State Government through the Medical Department will undertake necessary procedures for technical clearance for establishment of the laboratory from the Government of India and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Planning and Coordination Minister, Neiba Kronu, then announced.
Once completed, the BSL-2 laboratory in Tuensang would be the third such laboratory in the state, with two already in operation – one at the Naga Hospital Kohima Authority (BSL-2) in Kohima and the other at the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Dimapur (BSL-3).
.JPG)
