We are preparing for diagnosis, gene sequencing of 'Omicron' variant on large scale, says senior LNJP doctor

Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital has a capacity of processing 100 samples for gene sequencing in a day, a senior doctor said on Tuesday.

Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, New Delhi, toldthat the hospital is preparing for the diagnosis and gene sequencing of the new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron' on a large scale.

"In the wake of the new variant Omicron, we have the capacity of processing 100 samples for gene sequencing in a day. All the samples being sent are indicating the Delta variant till now," he said.

"Separate isolation, treatment wards and 40 beds with oxygen, BiPAP, SDU, and ICU have been prepared. We are also training the health care workers," he added.

Omicron (B.1.1.529) has been categorised as a variant of concern by the World Health Organisation.

No case of 'Omicron' variant has been reported in India.

( With inputs from ANI )