Puducherry: IGMCRI gets first whole genome sequencing laboratory

Puducherry: Amidst the rising surge of COVID cases in various parts of the country, the union territory of Puducherry received its first genome sequencing laboratory at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMCRI), which has facilities to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants.   

The Rs 3.56 crore next generation whole genome sequencing laboratory was set up at the IGMCRI as a public health priority to deal with the spread of the contagious viral strains. 

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The lab was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy in the presence of MLA K.S.P. Ramesh, Health Secretary C. Udaya Kumar, Health Director G. Sriramulu and head of microbiology, IGMCRI, Nandita Banaji. 

The press release stated that this is the first genome sequencing laboratory to be established at the union territory. Earlier, the health department used to send the samples to laboratories in other states to perform the sequencing tests. Now, the union territory can send its samples to this newly inaugurated state-of-the-art laboratory which has facilities to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants, reports the Hindu. 

Further, with the new lab, the turn around time could be minimized which would go down to around 48 to 72 hours, instead of the 10 to 15 days when sent to outstation labs. It could also function as a linkage centre and cater to nearby districts. The press release further observed that the facilities in the lab could help in tackling other potential outbreak-causing pathogens and also aid in cancer research. 

Back in January 2022, when the country was witnessing a surge in COVID cases due to the omicron variant, the Puducherry government was in the process of establishing the laboratory at IGMCRI. Chief Minister N Rangasamy, who is also the Health Minister had given the approval setting up the lab, as per a report in The New Indian Express. 

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