The testing facility at DIHAR is capable of screening 50 samples per day
DRDO has established a COVID-19 testing facility at the Leh based laboratory Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) to enhance the rate of testing to identify the Corona cases in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The testing facility will also help in keeping close watch on infected people. The facility meets the safety standards and guidelines of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The centre was inaugurated by RK Mathur, Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh.
The testing facility at DIHAR is capable of screening 50 samples per day. The facility can also be utilised for training manpower for COVID testing and will be of great help to address future bio-threats and carrying out R&D activities pertinent to agro-animals diseases.
In his address, Mathur lauded the efforts of DRDO in fighting COVID-19 and thanked Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO for making this facility available at DIHAR. He expressed hope that the facility will help in the treatment of infected persons.
The Lieutenant Governor also inspected the testing facility. He was briefed about the bio-safety aspect of the testing facility and precautionary measures to minimise cross-contamination and safety of researchers, health professionals and the environment.
Dr OP Chaurasia, Director DIHAR, Brig JB Singh, Commandant, Dr Padma Gurmet, Director, NRISR, Leh, Dr Mutup Dorjey, CMO along with his team of doctors from SNM Hospital, Leh and other senior army officials and DRDO scientists were present on the occasion.