Genome sequencing lab to be set up in state soon: CM

NT Correspondent

Hubballi The state government has taken steps to establish a Genome Sequencing Lab, said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. “ The health secretary has been instructed to look into the need for procuring necessary equipment and experts for the purpose, ‘’ he said while talking to the media at his residence here on Tuesday.

Bommai said all districts have Covid testing labs. Genome Sequencing needs experts and modern equipment. The spread of a new variant, Omicron, has necessitated sending test samples in suspect cases for Omicron, for Genome Sequence tests. Arrangements would be made to get the test r e - ports quickly, he added. Further, noting that there are labs in every district to do COVID tests, the Chief Minister said in the case of genomic sequencing, it requires expert facility, and all cases are not set for genomic sequencing, now because of Omicron variant, whenever there is suspicion, we are sending samples for such a test.” For higher reference samples are also being sent to National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), he said, adding there are no issues as the genomic sequencing reports are coming much quicker than earlier.

As of now, labs at NCBS and NIMHANS are the only two laboratories in Karnataka that have been approved by Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) to conduct genomic sequencing.

Asked about former CM Siddaramaiah’s allegation that the number of Man Days under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme(MNREGS) has been reduced, the CM dismissed it in a single line saying Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa had already replied in this regard.

On Siddaramaiah terming him a ‘big liar’, the CM said he had great respect for the Opposition leader but was disappointed over his recent statements.