The Manipur government on Friday launched a mobile COVID-19 testing unit based on RTPCR-CRISPR technology, at Modern College, Porompat, Imphal East.
The mobile COVID-19 testing unit was launched under the initiative of the Manipur government in collaboration with the Viswanath Cancer Care Foundation (VCCF) and in technical partnership with the Tata Medical and Diagnostic (TataMD).
The testing unit, which is a lab installed on a small truck, will be stationed at Modern College and it will conduct RTPCR-CRISPR tests, charging Rs 450 per test, the health department said.
At the occasion, Health advisor to chief minister, Ranjan Sapam said almost everyone in the state has been affected by the health crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic; many have lost their near and dear ones. It does not spare anyone, be it children, those in the medical profession, uneducated people or educated ones, he added.
He remarked that the people are now aware of the importance of testing. Initially, the testing facility was an issue and there were shortages of PPE and medical oxygen but they are now all available, he said. Even the recovery rate is increasing while active cases are decreasing, he added.
“I was also affected by COVID-19 and it had mentally affected me with feelings of sadness as well as loneliness,” Ranjan said. He stressed that mental health is important and a holistic approach with psychological studies is required for improving mental health issues.
He also mentioned that cases of cancer are also highly prevalent in the state. One out of every 10 households has a cancer patient, he further said, adding that there is a requirement to educate the people in this regard. He also urged the authorities running the mobile testing lab to take tests in other districts as well.
Director of health service, government of Manipur K Rajo said the Health department under the initiative of the state government has been conducting tests regularly since the first wave of COVID-19. Recently, different methods of testing are being conducted at all districts and designated centres, he said.
He said that the mobile testing lab uses the latest method of RTPCR testing, and it is a very advanced test that will get accurate results within three hours. The price of testing is Rs 450 per test though the testing in private hospitals or centres is 1,400, he said. Earlier, RTPCR test results were obtained after one or two days, he added.
Rajo further appealed to the people to get tested for early treatment and cooperate with them to successfully combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
