Mizoram’s much awaited COVID-19 testing laboratory has become operational at the state’s lone Zoram Medical College (ZMC) on Thursday, health minister Dr R Lalthangliana said.
Although the testing laboratory was planned to be opened in a function, it was urfurled by the health minister in the presence of few officials at his office to avoid mass gathering.
Lalthangliana said it was a milestone in the history of Mizoram.
“In a record time of barely eight days since the formation of a core committee on setting up of virology lab, the installation has been successfully completed and become operational,” he said.
Also read: Mizoram health minister to open COVID-19 testing lab on Thursday
Though the virology lab was made into operate, actual testing of sample is yet to take place once sample is available.
He said that the core committee on setting up of COVID-19 testing laboratory was formed on March 23 last.
Headed by state health secretary H Lalengmawia, the committee comprises legislators with medical background and experts from government, hospitals and universities.
Lalthangliana said that the committee has been making relentless efforts since approval by the Centre.
Mizoram has not reported new confirmed case of novel coronavirus since a 50-year-old man tested positive for the deadly disease on March 25.
Also read: Mizoram: Effort on to install virology lab, govt encourages social distancing
The health minister said that the infected patient is undergoing treatment at ZMC is he condition was stable.
He said that more than 6,1000 people have been screened for the virus till date.
He added that 12 blood samples were sent to Silchar Medical College on Wednesday.