Nagpur: After the first patient from the Omicron variant of Covid was detected in Nagpur on Sunday, the demand for starting the genome sequencing facility at the leading Nagpur Institute once again came to the center of attention.
However, technical difficulties and the Redtaurism delay the establishment of local set-ups for genome sequencing in the city.
The All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) have initiated the process to start the genome sequencing, but the two proposals are in limbo for various reasons.
“We have sent a proposal to organize and start the genome sequencing in AIIMS.
But, we are currently awaiting the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Family to offer us relaxation of the ‘Make In India’ clause,” said Maj Gen Dr.
Vibha Dutta, Director and CEO AIIMS .
In accordance with the central government regulation, it is mandatory for procurement institutions to buy at least 20% of the settings of Indian producers.
AIIM officials said almost no Indian producers were involved in making spare parts to establish a genome sequencing center.
So, they ask the center to calm the norm.
When it comes to testing, AIIMS has become the main one from the right front since the beginning of the pandemic.
AIIMS is the first among the institutions to start RT-PCR testing facilities in Central India.
During the first wave, AIIMS is the authority to train and approve the new RT-PCR lab in four countries.
Even now, AIIMS monitors the testing process in more than 50 laboratories throughout Central India.
Sequencing genomes are the most important addition where AIIM tries since months.
“There is no Indian manufacturer involved in the production of sequencer settings.
We cannot obey the ‘Make In India’ clause.
This center must allow us to make total foreign purchases,” said Dr.
Dutta.
On the other hand, GMCH, which has had the highest capacity of Daily RT-PCR tests, is waiting for sequencer since 8 months.
The authorities told the Toi that GMCH not only sent a proposal but also save Rs 1.25 Crore with the Haffkine Institute, the procurement agency appointed by the state government.
“The delay was from the front of Haffkine.
We have completed all formalities from our end,” said a senior official from GMC.
Nagpur is an Central Indian medical center and serves the medical needs of the Vidarbha region and border areas in adjacent countries.
At present, the sample of Nagpur must be sent to NIV Pune to sort.
Local genome sequencing * sample positive covid-based nagpur patients sent to niv pune or ccmb hyderabad for genome sequencing * it takes time because these certain institutions have to deal with samples originating from many districts / state * local genome sequencing facilities will provide Some benefits such as the initial results and broader testing windows * AIIMS and GMC have trained labor for genome sequencing.
They only need approval from the government