Diagnosing deadly viruses: After a long wait, no need to send test samples abroad

New lab is first of its kind in the country.

ISLAMABAD:

After a seven-year delay, Pakistan’s first bio-safety level (BSL)-3 laboratory was inaugurated on Tuesday at the National Institute of Health (NIH).

The state-of-the-art BSL-3 laboratory is the first of its kind in the public sector for high-risk micro-organisms that are too hazardous to be handled elsewhere.

The laboratory’s establishment will facilitate advanced scientific research and development in virology and molecular biology on pathogens of public health importance in collaboration with scientific organisations.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, a senior official at NIH who asked not to be named, said the lab was a two-year project but took seven years to complete. “The reason behind the delay was a hindrance in the release of funds coupled with technical issues.”

All highly-sensitive tests were carried out in a BSL-2 laboratory which was dangerous and a clear violation of international standards, said the official. Pakistan used to send test samples to other countries for serology of various diseases like Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and H1N1 influenza, which was very time-consuming, he added.

“All the viruses and bacteria will be examined in this laboratory and patients will be treated according to the sub-types,” said the official.

Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Saira Tarar inaugurated the laboratory.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2014.