Jackson Tayeng

ITANAGAR, Apr 25: In a significant development for the health department in particular and the state as a whole, the long-awaited virology lab for Covid-19 sample testing that has been installed at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) will start functioning soon.
With this facility Arunachal Pradesh will no longer have to send samples outside for testing and wait for the results to arrive. The state government and the Department of Health led by Health Minister Alo Libang were nurturing the aspiration to have a virology lab and its absence had already raised questions.
Speaking to media, Director Health Services, Dr. M Lego confirmed the news and informed that the lab has been installed at TRIHMS Naharlagun. “Though we have installed the virology lab, testing of Covid-19 samples will take a couple of days,” added Dr. Lego.
When asked about the training needs of medical professionals specific to the lab, he informed that they have expert microbiologists and other technicians certified by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Moreover, training process is on, the first batch has completed training and in a few days the second batch will also undergo training, the Director stated.
“We are hoping the lab will be functional in next few days and the state won’t have to send samples outside for testing which will save time and minimise other hindrances,” he said.
Speaking on the preparedness aspects after exiting from the lockdown post May 3, Dr. Lego assured they are well-prepared for the situation, but also urged the stranded people to be responsible and come forward voluntarily to disclose their travel history.
Meanwhile, he also welcomed central government’s ordinance in support of the health fraternity who are doing their job as frontline warriors during the pandemic. “Doctors and other health workers are sacrificing their own lives to save others and in return are getting abused and assaulted which is really inhuman,” Dr Lego lamented.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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