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. 

Also Read: MBBS Admissions: CENTAC releases revised Seat Matrix for IGMCRI, Date Of Joining for Special Mop-Up Round, Details

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.