Diphu Medical College accredited by ICMR as Covid-19 testing centre

Guwahati: In a significant development, the Diphu Medical College in Karbi Anglong has been accredited as a Covid-19 testing laboratory by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in New Delhi, the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research.

"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", Assam Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

This development has come at a time when the Indian Government has significantly ramped up its efforts to increase testings to contain the spread of the pathogen. According to the Assam Health department, as many as 1,53,326 samples have been tested until June 7. An Assam Government bulletin has said that 64,145 passengers were screened at the airport and 5,80,178 persons were screened at several places in Assam. The total number of isolation beds identified in the state until the aforementioned date is 3,338 for treating critically ill patients. Additionally, there are 595 ICU beds and 398 ventilators that are available cumulatively in Government and private hospitals.

Meanwhile, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Assam has risen to 2,835. While 784 persons have recovered from the respiratory illness, 4 people succumbed to death due to complications.

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