The much-awaited BSL-2 laboratory here will get operational once it receives operational clearance from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
This was conveyed by Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) director Dr. Sedevi to a delegation led by Health & Family Welfare minister Pangnyu Phom that inspected the institute to review setting up of the lab.
He explained that though ICMR had given approval, the laboratory would become operational once the council was satisfied with the test sample done, whose result would be probably be available on Tuesday.
The minister, accompanied by IPR, SCERT and VG adviser Toshi Wungtung and other senior H&FW officials, was shown around the BSL-2 lab by the CIHSR director and Dr Nito Yepthomi, who will be heading the laboratory.
In a tweet, Pangnyu said: “The quality of the work will not be compromised because of that it is taking time. The inauguration will be done soon to cater to the needs of our people.”
Dr. Sedevi explained how the facility could be used for testing other ailments like TB, HIV, hepatitis, etc. asserting that it would immensely strengthen the health infrastructure. He mentioned that many Naga medical scholars working and doing research outside would get an opportunity to come and work in Nagaland with the installation of the facility.
Yepthomi informed the visiting officials that the present strength of 12 staff would be able to test around 150 to 200 samples, but added that more manpower would be required if the number of samples exceeded 200 per day.