Jashore university awaiting govt nod to test Covid-19
The JUST authorities also said the genome centre has enough manpower to run the tests
The genome centre laboratory of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) is waiting for government decision on novel coronavirus screening after making the claim that it can process coronavirus detection test.
"A three-member team comprising of Jashore deputy commissioner and civil surgeon visited our lab as I informed them earlier that we are capable of testing the virus infection," said Dr Md Anwar Hossain, the vice-chancellor of the university.
"The team talked with the lab technicians. Now we are waiting for the government go ahead," said the VC.
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The genome centre of the university previously claimed that it had the logistics to run coronavirus tests. The university authorities said all they need are medical samples, testing kits and personal protective equipment.
The JUST authorities also said the genome centre has enough manpower to run the tests.
They said their laboratory can host the government's proposed coronavirus detection facility in Khulna.
A government team visited the genome centre on March 25. During the visit, the university told the high-ups that it can run 30 tests every day with the imported kits available in the country.
"As the JUST VC himself is a researcher, all the university teachers and staffers are ready to lend a hand if the government allows us to run coronavirus test. We even do not need extra manpower," said a statement issued by the university.
JUST VC Dr Md Anwar Hossain said they have all the required equipment in their lab. "We are always ready to stand by the government in any crisis period," he added.
The World Health Organisation says coronavirus screening without bio-safety level 3 and 4 is not safe.
The JUST laboratory is bio-safety level 2 type, which the VC claimed "safe enough" for coronavirus test.
"We can conduct researches on coronavirus vaccine if the bio-safety level of the lab can be upgraded to 3," he added.
Previously, Dr Anwar served the Dhaka University as a microbiology professor. He led researches that invented the vaccine for the foot-and-mouth disease of cattle. The professor also has research experiences on several viruses.
