GUWAHATI: A mobile COVID-19 testing facility for Northeast, beginning with Mizoram, was launched on Thursday, January 20. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched the first of its kind Mobile Diagnostic Laboratory (I-LAB) that is capable of performing both RT-PCR and ELISA. The Chief Minister (CM) of Mizoram Pu Zoramthanga joined the online launching ceremony.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the lab was developed with the support of the Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, and is meant to provide COVID-19 testing access to rural and remote parts of the Northeastern region of India.
The Minister said that the unit has a biosafety facility and is capable of performing both RT-PCR and ELISA tests, and this facility can also be utilised for testing other infectious diseases like TB, HIV, and therefore will remain relevant even in post-COVID times.
Dr Jitendra Singh called for linking the I-LAB with a tele-consultation facility in accordance with disease profile of the population of the Northeastern region. He informed that tests like mammography and vision-testing can be added with the mobile laboratory, which will prove to be hugely beneficial for the people of the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Mizoram Pu Zoramthanga expressed his gratitude to Dr Jitendra Singh for the Mobile-Lab testing facility and said that this will help bridge the gap in COVID-19 testing in border districts and remote areas lacking in RT-PCR testing facility.