Virus research lab inaugurated in Kakinada

Kakinada: Timely identification of the virus was important in controlling diseases, said East Godavari Collector Kartikeya Mishra.

The Collector made this observation while inaugurating a Virus Research and Diagnostic laboratory established at the Microbiology department of Rangaraya Medical College in Kakinada Government General Hospital on Saturday evening.

Speaking on this occasion, Collector said that this laboratory has been established at the initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India for controlling diseases by improving the capacity for identification of novel and unknown virus and other organisms emerging and to develop diagnostic kits.

The Collector also said that this lab will undertake research for identification of emerging and genetically active agents in addition to provide training to health professionals.

Kartikeya Mishra that this medical college laboratory will cover a cluster of 3 to 4 surrounding districts and they will carry out the initial diagnosis and screening in the peripheral areas of any outbreak of diseases.

This laboratory is equipped with necessary staff to carry out and diagnose the viruses and to carry out research, the Collector added.

R Mahalakshmi, Principal, Rangaraya Medical College said that this laboratory has been established by Department of Health Research and will work under overall guidance of apex institutions like National Institute of Virology, Pune, NCDC.

Dr K Babji, Director of Medical Education, Dr M Raghavendra Rao, Superintendent, KGGH, Dr KRN Surya Kiran, HOD Microbiology dept, Dr Satya Susheela, RMO and others were present on the occasion.