Manipur CM inaugurates genome sequencing facility in Imphal

Our Correspondent
Imphal, July 10 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) sequencing facility at a virtual function organised by the Institute of Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Saturday.

With the facility, samples now can be tested at ISBD Campus, Takyelpat in Imphal, where genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 will be performed not only for Manipur but also for other states of North Eastern region of India.

Manipur now will no longer send samples outside the state for detection of Covid variants, according to a press release from CM’s secretariat.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Biren Singh said that genome sequencing has become very critical in the fight against the Covid pandemic, as new 'variants of concern' have been emerging as dominant strains across the world. He also apprised IBSD, Imphal on becoming one of the approved regional sequencing laboratories as part of the consortium of 28 National Laboratories to monitor the genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2, which would be of immense help in the ongoing efforts of the state government’s fight against Covid-19. He said that assessing genome variants would also assist in developing potential vaccines in the future to ascertain the status of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the country. The analysis of data collected would help in studying whether the mutation influences transmission, clinical outcomes, severity and impact the efficacy of public health intervention and vaccines, he added.

The function was also attended by Advisor to CM (Health), Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Chief Secretary, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare), V Vumlunmang, Director IBSD Imphal, prof. Pulok Kumar Mukherjee and other officials among others.

According to the IBSD Director, prof. Pulok Kumar Mukherjee, INSACOG aims to focus on sequencing of clinical samples to understand the disease's dynamics and severity. A similar facility in Northeast is installed at Jorhat. However, so far, there is no report of its operation.