RMRC Bhubaneswar to start monkeypox testing soon

The Odisha government has been taking all necessary measures for the early detection and testing of monkeypox cases. Now, the State government has decided to designate RMRC as a monkeypox testing laboratory.

Seeking permission to designate RMRC as a monkeypox testing lab, the government will write a letter to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Health Ministry. The testing will begin after getting permission, informed RMRC director Sanghamitra Pati.

Earlier, Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das had called for a review meeting. He held a meeting with senior officials on monkeypox and directed all the CDMOs to keep ready two beds each in every DHHs.

“Odisha is taking all necessary steps to keep monkeypox at bay. An expert committee has been formed by the Health department at Cuttack-based SCB Medical College and Hospital,” he informed.

“We are trying to make the testing facilities available in Bhubaneswar. We have requested the Centre to provide kits. People should be aware and adhere to guidelines,” the Minister added.

Das said that the Union Health Ministry has notified 15 places in the country for monkeypox testing.

“In Odisha, it can be done at ICMR (RMRC) but for that, we need to get permission from the Centre,” Das said, adding that if kits are provided, monkeypox samples can be tested in Bhubaneswar.

From the second week of August, pediatricians, dermatologists and medicine specialists will be trained to deal with monkeypox cases. A nodal officer will be designated for each district to coordinate with the Health Department on the status of Monkey Pox, in their respective jurisdictions, said Das.