The Institute of Advanced Virology at Thonnakkal will be functional by January 2020, it was revealed at a high-level review meeting called by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Tuesday to assess the progress of the project.
The procedure for importing the diagnostic equipment for laboratories had been initiated. As a scientific institution holding the licence to import high-end lab equipment, the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Centre was in charge of this work.
A statement issued by the office of the Chief Minister said all diagnostic facilities were expected to be full-fledged and functional at the institute in another six months.
Senior adviser
The meeting also decided to fast-track the appointment of staff for the institute, especially that of scientists. Eminent virologist William W. Hall has been engaged as the senior adviser for the project.
Those who were present at the meeting included Chief Secretary Tom Jose; Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Manoj Joshi; the CM’s scientific advisor M. C. Dathan; Science and Technology department executive vice-president K.P. Sudheer, and member secretary S. Pradeepkumar, among others.
