Next Generation Sequencing Lab Opens At SCB Hospital In Cuttack

Cuttack: A Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) laboratory was operationalised at the PG Department of Biochemistry, SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCB MCH), Cuttack on Friday. This is the first such facility in a state-owned medical institution in Odisha.

The NGS lab was opened after a rigorous five-day training on genome sequencing conducted collaboratively by the Directorate of Public Health, USAID RISE, NHM and Department of Biochemistry, SCB MCH.

The lab is expected to play a pivotal role in identifying mutations in COVID-19 and similar public health threats and tracking their transmission. It would also keep a track of the spread of a virus, how it mutates and how those changes may affect public health.

The laboratory was initiated by Directorate of Public Health, SCB MCH, and NHM in collaboration with the USAID RISE for strengthening disease surveillance in the state.

The launch event was attended in hybrid mode by Dr Brundha D, Mission Director, NHM; Dr Niranjan Mishra, Director, Public Health; Dr Sanghamitra Pati, Director, RMRC Bhubaneswar; Dr Amarendra Mohanty, Director, SIHFW; Prof Prasenjeet Mohanty, Dean and Principal, SCB MCH; Prof Lucy Das, Medical Superintendent, SCB MCH; Prof Pratima Kumari Sahu, HOD, Department of Biochemistry, SCB MCH; Sangita Patel, Director, Health Office, USAID and other members of NHM, USAID, RISE, Jhpiego, FIND and SCB MCH.