Nagaland governor RN Ravi said the government is in the process of setting up a COVID19 testing laboratory in the state.
“I am hopeful to have it ready and functional soon,” Ravi said.
Ravi said Nagaland has not been able to do the required number of tests to have an objective assessment of the COVID19 situation owing to lack of testing in the state.
He said he is in touch with the Union ministry of health and the Indian Council of Medical Research for getting the required assistance to set up the lab.
Also read: Nagaland health minister urges Vardhan to set up lab in state for COVID-19
Ravi said all possible measures have been taken to prevent the possible spread of COVID19 virus in the state.
“However, in an unfortunate event of some +ve cases, I assure you that the state government is well equipped to tackle it,” Ravi said in a statement issued on Saturday night.
Ravi underscored the need for social distancing and urged for cooperation from all sections. He assured that the government remains committed to mitigate the hardships of people.
He acknowledged the services of all frontline workers, health personnel, police and NGOs in the fight against the virus.
Nagaland health and family welfare minister Pangnyu Phom recently urged Union health minister Harsh Vardhan to set up a designated laboratory in Nagaland to test samples for COVID19.
During a video conferencing at Kohima on March 26, Phom told the Union health minister that there was no designated laboratory in Nagaland for COVID19 testing.
The Nagaland health minister urged the Union health minister to set up such a laboratory at Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima, at the earliest.
During the video conferencing Phom apprised Union minister Vardhan of the state’s preparedness to combat COVID19.