Mobile COVID testing facility rolled out in North-Eastern states

The Government of India has launched mobile testing facilities for Covid-19 patients in North-Eastern states. The Mobile Diagnostic Laboratory (I-LAB) can perform both kinds of tests - RT-PCR and ELISA.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, launched it which will start from Mizoram.

The State Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga participated in the launching ceremony through video conferencing. Beginning with Mizoram, it will be gradually launched in all other North-Eastern states.

“The Lab developed with the support from the Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, is meant to provide COVID testing access to rural and remote parts of North Eastern Region of India. The unit has bio-safety facility and is capable of performing both RT-PCR and ELISA tests and this facility can also be utilised for testing of other infectious diseases like TB, HIV, and therefore will remain relevant even in post-COVID times,” Dr Singh said.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the Covid-19 situation in the country and taking all effective measures to contain its spread.

He added, “Ever since Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister, he has accorded a special priority to the development of the North-Eastern region of India and added that this facility is a testimony of that commitment. Mobile Lab Technology will be rolled out gradually in the other States of North-East as the region has unique climatic and topographical conditions.”