BMC has floated tenders for three molecular labs at hospitals

BMC has submitted tenders for setting up of three molecular diagnostic laboratories and upgrading the existing one to a high-end lab capable of performing existing genome sequencing (WGS) at Kasturba Hospital.  The first three tenders are for Nair, Zion and Cooper hospitals; the setting up of the three labs and the five-year maintenance will cost about Rs 4.75 crore, officials said.

 

It is part of our long-term plan to increase our ability to fight infectious diseases and tone our ability to fight infectious diseases in the future.  The upgraded molecular diagnostic lab at Kasturba Hospital will be the first of its kind in Mumbai.  We are buying equipment for that and we will set it up on our own,”said Additional Municipal Commissioner (Health) Suresh Kakani. 

 

Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is an innovative technology used to accurately study pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19.  Last year, Covid-19 samples had to be sent out of the city, mainly to in Pune NIV and in Delhi.  Kakani said students at Nair Hospital are currently using the Molecular Diagnostic Lab in Kasturba.  “Genome sequencing in the upgraded Kasturba Lab will help us identify viral animals such as the Covid from the UK or Brazil. 

 

 

The new labs will be the city's long - term health asset. Genome sequencing helps to identify mutations and mutations in the original pathogen; a case is the identification of B.1.1.7.  A variant in the United Kingdom where WGS is frequently used in the diagnosis of Covid.  BMC's Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, located on the Kasturba Hospital campus near Satra, has already started pilot studies with the IIT Bombay start up team, officials said.