The BSL-3 lab at NHAK Kohima, which was inaugurated by Nagaland Chief Minister on May 21. (Photo Courtesy: @pangnyu/Twitter)
-CM Rio inaugurates BSL-3 lab at NHAK
-‘Red-letter day for Nagas,' says Pangnyu
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 21
The much awaited Biosafety Level (BSL) – 3 lab at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) was inaugurated today by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio after a brief dedicatory programme.
According to the Chief Minister, apart from testing for COVID-19, the lab would be able to conduct researches and tests for other viral diseases when the need arises.
“On behalf of Nagaland government I express gratitude to our neighbouring states Assam & Manipur for helping us in our time of need,” Rio later stated in a tweet.
Meanwhile, after the inauguration, State's Health and Family Welfare Minister, S Pangnyu Phom declared: “The desire of our people to have our own Lab to combat the Pandemic is fulfilled.”
“We have successfully inaugurated the BSL-3 Lab at NHAK today. This is a red-letter day for Nagas and the Lab is dedicated to the people of our State,” he posted on Twitter.
Speaking to The Morung Express earlier on Wednesday, Phom said that the BSL-3 lab in Kohima along with the BSL-2 lab in Dimapur were being constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 11.55 crore.
The construction of the BSL-3 which started on April 18 was completed in a record time of 32 days, he said, adding that it would normally take 5-6 months.
Now the state can conduct rapid testing, rather than sending to neighbouring states which not only takes time but was a burden on the resource and logistical arrangements, Pangnyu informed.
The BSL-2 lab at CIHSR is yet to be completed.
