Port Blair, May 13: In response to ICMR’s initiative for developing a Diagnostic Virology Laboratory network in India, the Regional Medical Research Centre, A&N Islands has recently established Grade I Diagnostic Virology Laboratory. Currently the RMRC is extending support for about 33 viral diseases / infections to different hospitals/ health centres in the entire union territory.
In order to further strengthen the virology network and other highly infectious pathogens, RMRC has established Bio-Safety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories. These labs are capable of handling highly infectious pathogens such as bird flu, swine flu and unknown outbreaks. In addition RMRC has renovated and furnished other laboratories and has also constructed an auditorium in the Centre’s building at Dollygunj which are ready to be inaugurated.
The Labs will be inaugurated by the Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Bhopinder Singh on 17th May 2013 at 10.00 am at the centre premises. Dr. V.M. Katoch, Secretary, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GoI and Director General – Indian Council of Medical Research will preside over the inaugural function.