Advanced Virology Institute to be established in Kerala by 2018
An ambitious initiative of the state government, the ‘Institute of Advanced Virology’ (IAV), will soon be set up at the campus of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) Life Science Park at Thonnakkal near Kerala.
Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC) and Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) have been entrusted with the task of spearheading the establishment of the institute. The project, estimated to cost Rs5 billion, will be housed in a 78,000 sq-ft building complex on 50 acres inside the park, earmarked for the virology institute.
The unit, which is currently functioning in a temporary building in Alappuzha, would expand its diagnosis profile to cover more viral diseases in the region once it becomes operational.
The project, aimed at early detection and rapid prevention of viral attacks along with carrying out research in the area, will start functioning from next year, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
“The works on the Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV) is progressing and it will start functioning by next year,
” chief minister said. Vijayan also released the base document for the preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the venture at the function. According to sources, the IAV is expected to be a reality by July 2018.At present, the institute has 20 staff members and sophisticated equipment. Only lab tests for viral fever, dengue and chikungunya are being conducted, but the staff shortage has affected the tests delaying treatment. In 2015, the central government had approved Rs 34.5 crore for the expansion of the institute.
