TIFR programme on Covid testing begins
Hyderabad: Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India Prof K Vijay Raghavan on Friday inaugurated the Covid-19 Diagnostic Training Programme of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Hyderabad.
The programme would impart practical laboratory training required for carrying out Covid-19 diagnostic tests, in addition to online theory lecture modules in basic molecular biology relevant to Covid-19 diagnosis.
According to the TIFR, Hyderabad, the training programme has been initiated through the Principal Scientific Adviser’s office and supported by funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
TIFR-Hyderabad, Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), PanIIT Alumni Reach for India (PARFI) and National Institute of Immunology (NII) worked together to form a well-rounded training module on the Covid-19 testing methods, such as RT-PCR and LAMP-based assays, and laboratory practices with a focus on biosafety protocols, it said.
The training module would be followed up by an assessment of acquired skills and training experience at the Covid-19 diagnostic lab at ESIC Hospital, Hyderabad.
“We have learnt much about the virus, and we need to learn a lot more. In other words, research on the virus and its impact on the society translated into immediate, medium-term and long-term benefit is very important,” Prof Vijay Raghavan said
TIFR-Hyderabad Director Prof V Chandrasekhar outlined the centre’s other Covid-related activities such as standardising a quick colour-based LAMP assay, developing low-cost rechargeable N95 masks and mask-testing device, and long-term research goals to devise treatment strategies.
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