Virology laboratory moves to new office

The diagnostic virology and intensive care laboratory was transferred to a new office that was built and outfitted with support from the World Bank under the Avian Influenza Control and Human Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project. The works cost US$1 million. The laboratory meets all the world biosecurity requirements and the international standards recommended by the World Health Organization, Minister of Health Vladimir Hotineanu told a news conference on March 19. The head of the National Public Health Center Oleg Benes said the laboratory can detect extremely dangerous viruses. It has a special ventilation and air conditioning system that hinders the spread of the viruses. “With this modern equipment as well as seminars and courses for specialists, we hope we will be able to deal with the third wave of AH1N1 pandemic flu expected in autumn,” said Constantin Spanu, vice director of the National Scientific Practical Center of Preventive Medicine. Anatol Gobjila, the head of the WB's project implementation unit, said the laboratory provides optimal conditions for diagnosis. A new reanimatology and intensive care section that was renovated at the Infectious Diseases Hospital “Toma Ciorba” was inaugurated the same day. The renovation and equipment works cost 7 million lei and were carried out as part of the same project financed by the Wold Bank.