Another milestone: Covid-19 testing lab launched at Diphu Medical College

Guwahati: In a major boost to Assam's capacity to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, a brand new testing laboratory has been inaugurated today at the Diphu Medical College (DMC) in Karbi Anglong district.

The testing laboratory was inaugurated earlier in the day by Tuliram Ronghang, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and Parliamentarian Horensing Bey, who was elected to power as the Lok Sabha MP on a BJP ticket in 2019.

Assam Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been at the forefront of the state's battle against the respiratory disease, has hailed this development as "another milestone". 

"Another milestone in our efforts to increase testing abilities in the state in the wake of Covid-19. Delighted to share that a new testing lab is inaugurated today at Diphu Medical College by KAAC CEM Sri Tuliram Ronghang and MP Sri Horensing Bey", the Minister tweeted. Sarma has earlier signalled that the DMC had received accreditation from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in New Delhi to open a Covid-19 testing laboratory.

"Pleased to share that Diphu Medical College has been accredited by ICMR Delhi as a testing lab for Covid-19. With this, all of Assam's 7 Medical Colleges have the capabilities and regulatory approvals for testing. This significantly strengthens our testing capacities", Sarma had tweeted on June 9.

What this Means for the Region:

The availability of this testing centre is expected to significantly ramp up testing in the region. Amid soaring number of cases in neighbouring Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts, the availability of this lab is expected to reduce the amount of time taken to avail results, which is expected to better prepare the state to deal with the virus.

Biswa Sarma, during a recent visit to the Haflong Civil Hospital, where dozens are receiving treatment, said, "The ICMR has accredited the Diphu Medical College as a testing centre. Now, samples need not be sent to Silchar. Earlier, people had to wait for 5-6 days to receive the results, but now, they will be able to get the results early. And in case there is a big boom of cases, they can be sent to Diphu for treatment, as we have made the provisions in this regard."

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