Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Dr Jitendra Singh launches the mobile COVID testing facility for North-East on January 20. (Ministry of Science & Technology/PIB Photo)
Testing facility to roll out gradually in other NE States
New Delhi, January 20 (MExN): A first of its kind Mobile Diagnostic Laboratory (I-LAB) capable of performing both RT-PCR and ELISA was launched for the North-East in Mizoram on January 20.
The Mmobile COVID testing facility for North-East, beginning with Mizoram was officially launched virtually by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh.
Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga and others also joined the launching ceremony online.
The testing facility would be rolled out gradually in other States of NE as the region has unique climatic and topographical conditions, informed official statement from the Union Ministry of Science & Technology.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Singh informed that the lab developed with the support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and was meant for providing COVID testing access to rural and remote parts of NE.
The unit has bio-safety facility and is capable of performing both RT-PCR and ELISA tests and can also be utilised for testing of other infectious diseases like TB, HIV, and thus relevant even in post-COVID times, he said.
Dr Singh also called for linking the I-LAB with tele-consultation facility in accordance with disease profile of the population of the region.
He further informed that tests like Mammography and Vision-testing can be added with the mobile laboratory and will prove hugely beneficial to the people of the region.
Acknowledging the committed efforts made by AMTZ (Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone) team for building the ‘unique and innovative’ facility, the Minister pointed out that the DBT has established manufacturing facility in AMTZ for indigenously manufacturing various healthcare technologies which are hugely imported, and thereby releasing the vision ‘Make-in India, Make for India.’
With these collective and cooperative efforts, India is now in the process of achieving self-sufficiency in healthcare technologies and in effectively catering to ensuring good health of our people in the country, he added.
Further exuding confidence that India would emerge triumphant from the current pandemic situation, Dr Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the COVID situation on a daily basis and taking effective steps for pandemic control activities.
Since taking over as Prime Minister, Modi has accorded a special priority to the development the NE region of India and the I-LAB is a testimony of that commitment, he maintained.
Speaking on the occasion, Mizoram CM Zoramthanga expressed his gratitude to Dr Singh for the mobile testing facility and said that this would help bridge the gap in testing in border districts and remote areas lacking in RT-PCR testing facility.
Mizoram Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana also noted that the pandemic has taken a huge toll on health infrastructure, particularly in the NE States and said that the I-LAB would go a long way in reaching out to people of difficult and inhospitable terrain for COVID test and cure. Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT said that I-LAB will remain relevant round the year even after COVID for testing of infectious diseases like Tuberculosis, and HIV, the release added.
