Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: To ascertain different variants of the COVID-19 virus and expedite sample testing, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed setting up a Genome testing facility in the state of Goa.
“To ascertain different variants of the COVID-19 virus & expedite sample testing, we shall be setting up a Genome testing facility in the state of Goa.,” said Rane
He further said that state government will be exploring options for procurement of equipment for establishing the sequencing facility.
He added, “It will also help conduct tests for other diseases,”
According to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) 4 people have tested positive for 4 different strains. US, UK , double mutation Maharashtra and the one present in circulation.
“We shall be exploring possibilities for setting up a genomic analysis of the samples within the state with infrastructure worth Rs 1.5 crore” said Rane
“NIV samples not just take 10 to 15 days to return, some samples are not returned at all,” the Goa Health Minister added.
“We have found only five cases of a different Covid-19 variant, the UK strain,” Rane said, adding that, after sourcing the genome sequencing lab, the health authorities would be in a position to identify Covid-19 strains prevalent in Goa and set up appropriate Covid treatment protocols.
