The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) at NEIGRIHMS conducted a one day orientation programme on ‘Biosafety regulations and their implications on Bio-medical research’ on July 1.
The event was attended by over 100 participants from various departments at NEIGRIHMS. The programme was organised to sensitise the faculty members, senior resident doctors and postgraduate students about biosafety regulations in India, their importance and need for compliance by scientists involved in any bio-medical research involving potential pathogens capable of causing infection in man, animal and plants.
NEIGRIHMS Director Dr Nalin Mehta talked about the importance of biosafety for ensuring health and well-being of the laboratory workers. Mehta further added that NEIGRIHMS is committed to research and development for the benefit of the community and workplace safety in research is given paramount importance. He also lauded the efforts by Prof Vandana Raphael, IBSC chairperson and Dr Pranjal Pratim Saikia, IBSC member secretary, in organising such events and promoting research-oriented environment amongst the faculty and staff of the institute.
Prof Probodh Borah, Director of Research (Veterinary) at Assam Agricultural University (AAU), explained about the various risks involved in working with hazardous microorganisms. Prof Borah also stressed about occupational safety of the researchers and laboratory workers and elaborated on necessary measures to prevent unintentional exposure to such pathogens. He further highlighted the guidelines prescribed by India’s Department of Biotechnology, the nodal department relating biosafety issues in the country, to ensure safe use and prevent abuse of r-DNA technology and hazardous microorganisms in research and development activities.
NEIGRIHMS’ IBSC was constituted in 2024 and is registered with the Department of Biotechnology under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
