The Largest virology lab accredited by the Indian Council of Medical Research is located in Pune. Albeit having all these crowning achievements and recognition, sometimes, the test results may get delayed and it is nothing to be surprised by.

It was only after considering this delay that the ICMR issued an order that states could also set up virology labs on their own. This decision gave impetus for Kerala to set up a virology institute at Thonnakkal. The lab houses one of the most modern equipment and had its share of genius from experts in America. There are facilities to diagnose more than 70 viral diseases. These include Nipah and monkeypox.

A system has been introduced here to check the Nipah sample and give the result within a maximum of 12 hours. Although the test can be completed within six hours, 12 hours is calculated taking into account the follow-up test.

This means that if doctors suspect Nipah infection anywhere in the state, the results will reach their tables by the same day or maximum the next day. This helps the doctors and authorities to immediately adopt measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

It was just two days back that Nipah made a shocking return to the state after a hiatus of five years. This time too, the epicentre was Kozhikode. The test sample was hurriedly transferred to Pune virology lab and the health minister had her reasons to do so, which she cleared in the legislative assembly. However, on contrarian terms, the CM assured the house about conducting an investigation into the issue after the health department snubbed Thonnakkal for Pune.

After this statement of the Chief Minister, the first Nipah test was conducted at the institute in Thonnakkal. The Nipah test was conducted for a student who was currently undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College after she feared eating a fruit that had bat bites. The test results turned negative and gave needed relief for residents in the capital city. For further examination, the test result was transferred to Pune virology institute.

There was a conundrum in the state after the Union health minister hurriedly confirmed the Nipah virus infection in Kerala. The state government was irked over the proceedings as they complained about not getting the confirmation directly from the health minister. If the test had been conducted in Kerala’s own virology lab in Thonnakkal, such an embarrassment could have been avoided.

The institute in the state has no right to declare disease confirmation even though there is a system to test it. The lab in the state can get this right only if the state government issues a certificate by appointing an expert committee.

It is reported that the reason for not providing the certificate is the reluctance of the concerned people in the health department who are not yet ready to take responsibility in case of any outbreak.