Bir Hospital gets genetic testing lab

Kathmandu, July 27

A genetic lab has come into operation in Bir Hospital, the country’s oldest health facility, from today.

Established at the cost of around Rs 10 million, the lab was brought into operation marking the 127th establishment day of the hospital. The first-of-its-kind lab in the country will carry out the genetic testing, popularly known as DNA testing, to detect genetic faults in patients.

The test will not only help doctors diagnose ailments, but also help them treat certain intractable illnesses, according to Vice-Chancellor of National Academy of Medical Sciences Dr Ganesh Gurung.

Dr Gurung explained that the lab was set up in view of growing cases of genetic ailments such as cancer, sickle cell anemia and miscarriages.

For the time being, genetic specialist Dr Nilam Thakur and two lab technicians will handle the lab that has been established with support from the Ministry of Health and Population and the World Health Organisation. “More human resources will be trained to handle the lab competently in the days ahead,” added Dr Gurung.

Earlier, people were compelled to visit health centres in India for genetic testing.