Warangal gets Virology Laboratory

Warangal: Notwithstanding the fact that viruses account for a major share of all diseases, Warangal, touted as the destination next after Hyderabad, didn't even has a Virology Laboratory that comes in handy for the doctors to diagnose well and treat the patients accordingly. It may be noted here that the virology laboratory plays a direct role in guiding antiviral therapy for patients suffering from diseases like ebola, swine flu, dengue, chikungunya etc.

As of now, the MGM Hospital, the lifeline of the poor in north Telangana, which also draws the good number of patients from the bordering villages of Maharashtra, has the lab facility that diagnoses HIV. Against this backdrop, the government is all set to establish a virology lab with the expertise provided by the National Institute of Virology, previously known as Virus Research Centre.

With no such major facilities in Telangana, currently, the samples of the patients are now being sent to Pune for diagnosis. As a result, the doctors have to wait for four to five days for diagnosing.

Speaking to The Hans India, Kakatiya Medical College (KMC) Principal Dr S Sandhya said: "A virology laboratory is coming up on KMC campus with an outlay of Rs 1.70 crore." It's learnt that a consignment of equipment related to virology lab had already landed in Warangal. The laboratory is to come near the Biochemistry Department. Dr K Jyothy of Microbiology Department will be the Nodal Officer for the lab, it's learnt. Initially, the virology lab will be staffed with a medical research assistant, a non-medical research assistant and three lab technicians. As of now, the staff is undergoing training at the National Institute of Virology in Pune.

Dr Ramaka Srinivas, the renowned cardiologist, said: "Epidemiology of diseases is very important. The lab is of immense help in getting the rapid diagnosis, proper surveillance of disease, isolation of affected population. As of now, we are highly dependent on Pune. Sending samples to Pune and getting reports is a time-consuming process." He also emphasised the need for improving quarantine and clinical facilities on par with international standards.

It may be mentioned here that the State Government has opened the new virology lab at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad to enable taking up diagnostic tests for Novel Coronavirus.