Ministry Of Health Review Readiness Of Unhas Hospital To Receive Whole Genome Sequencing Tool

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MAKASSAR - The Ministry of Health through the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) reviewed the readiness of the Hasanuddin University Teaching Hospital to receive the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) tool.

This activity was held offline with the implementation of the COVID-19 protocol in the 6th Floor Meeting Room of the Unhas RSPTN, Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar.

The Director General of P2P at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dr. Maxi Rein Rondonuwu DHSM., MARS in Makassar, said the WGS tool is one part of the RI Ministry of Health development program with the aim of strengthening surveillance.

The presence of WGS at the Unhas RSPTN is expected to strengthen surveillance, especially in the Eastern Indonesia region. The presence of WGS is also expected to be a medium for developing technology-based services and research.

"At the end of this month the tool can be used. For the next three years, the operational costs of this tool will be our responsibility. After three years, an evaluation process will be carried out on its use," explained Dr. Maxi as quoted by Antara, Tuesday, April 5.

Whole genome sequencing is a method used to sequence the genomes of organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and humans.

WGS is widely used for research in genetics and molecular biology, including the medical field to understand various diseases.

The WGS application also plays an important role in determining genetic mutations in COVID-19. The application of WGS helps researchers obtain genetic information about the origin of the disease and the spread of COVID-19 variants in the community.

President Director of RSPTN Unhas Dr dr St. Maisuri Tadjuddin Chalid, Sp.OG (K), explained that the Unhas RSPTN laboratory center has multiple benefits. Apart from being a health service, it is also used in research development.

Furthermore, the resources owned are also competent and qualified. So, it is hoped that the presence of WGS will further strengthen services and research development at the Unhas Hospital.

"We received a lot of grants and were involved in international research. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BSL-3 laboratory was trusted to examine COVID-19 samples. This shows the commitment and involvement of the Unhas Hospital in providing health services and research optimally," explained dr. Maisuri.

Unhas Chancellor Prof Dr Dwia Aries Tina Pulubuhu, said the placement of the latest equipment would further complement the BSL-3 laboratory of the Unhas RSPTN.

"Our laboratory is also widely used for international research. We will monitor this WGS tool optimally and use it as best we can," he said.