IIT-Guwahati has taken an initiative to set up a research centre for COVID-19 analysis, which will help North East India to test for the deadly virus. The premier institute is also working on developing a drug for treatment of Covid-19 patients. The faculty members are in the process of making small molecules inhibitors for the treatment of coronavirus using biotechnological tools.
According to IIT-Guwahati official sources, the institute has developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine, which helps to analyse 1000 samples in 12 hours. Two such units have already been given to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). They have also prepared WHO specified masks and hand sanitizers.
In addition, IIT Guwahati is making several state-of-the-art technologies including robot-based drug and food carrying units usable in isolation wards and robot-based screening units as well. The institute is also trying to manufacture hospital beds, ventilators, medical waste disposal for the isolation wards.
T G Sitharam, director of IIT Guwahati said, “Our idea is to make this research centre a state-of-the-art facility for the entire North East region. It would help to develop highly competent manpower for diagnosis of different diseases in the early stage of infection and prevention too.”
