Pune’s BJMC is central coordinating lab for genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 virus

DMER signs MoU with CSIR-IGIB, 3600 samples sent from state

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Health workers in front of the Jumbo Covid facility in Pune. (Express file photo by Arul Horizon)

Considering that SARS-CoV-2 variants are likely to evolve, the state has taken a proactive step by identifying Pune’s B J Government Medical College as the central coordinating lab for genome sequencing. With 3,600 samples being sequenced in May this year, state authorities will soon get a clear picture related to the district-wise prevalence of the variants.

“We are actively searching for any new variant that may have emerged last month,” said a state Health department official.

Coronavirus (rNA virus) has a tendency to mutate as it makes more copies of itself. Most of the mutations are not significant but some have resulted into new SARS-CoV-2 variants leading to cluster outbreaks. Taking up genome sequencing and strengthening this surveillance is crucial now to check for virulence, said state health authorities.

The state Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has now tied up with CSIR-Institute of Integrative and Genomic Biology (IGIB) for genome sequencing of samples from across 36 districts for a period of three months.

A government resolution signed by Additional Chief Secretary Dr Pradeep Vyas has estimated that approximately Rs 1.62 crore would be required for this exercise.

With BJMC as the central coordinating laboratory, efforts are underway to ensure that a minimum of 11,000 samples are sent in these three months, Dr Murlidhar Tambe, dean of B J Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, told The Indian Express.

The idea is to remain a step ahead of this virus, said Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, head of the department of microbiology at B J Medical College and state coordinator for genome sequencing.

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It has largely been due to the efforts of researchers here that mutations in the spike protein of SARS-CoV2 virus were first identified after the outbreak in Amravati in February this year.

However, with reports indicating that the outbreak of the second wave in the state was primarily due to the B.1.617.2 variant (now termed as Delta by the World Health Organisation), Pune’s B J Medical College was soon designated as the central coordinating laboratory for genome sequencing in Maharashtra. BJMC lab is also part of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia to help with genome sequencing.

The government lab has also performed 4.37 lakh tests to detect Covid-19, of which 3.83 lakh are RT-PCR tests and 54,023 are rapid antigen tests. “The antigen tests are important for triage of patients so that they can be immediately shifted to either Covid or non-Covid ICU,” said Dr Karyakarte.

Maharashtra has till date reported over 57.61 lakh Covid-19 cases and 96,198 deaths. According to state Health department experts, the aim is now to quickly identify and detect any new variant and be on our guard against the mutants in case there is another wave that may unfold.

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“Each district has its own coordinator… 100 samples of the RNA virus isolated from the Covid positive sample have to be stored in dry ice and sent to CSIR-IGIB for genome sequencing,” said Dr Karyakarte.

Dr Anurag Agarwal, director of CSIR-IGIB, said that new variants will keep coming up and a few will be important. “We are providing sequencing as a service and are part of continued genome surveillance activities,” he said.

Anuradha Mascarenhas

Anuradha Mascarenhas is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. With a career spanning three decades, she is one of the most respected voices in Indian journalism regarding healthcare, science and environment and research developments. She also takes a keen interest in covering women's issues . Professional Background Education: A gold medalist in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a Master’s degree in Literature. Author: She authored the biography At The Wheel Of Research, which chronicles the life and work of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the former Chief Scientist at the WHO. Key Focus: She combines scientific accuracy with storytelling, translating complex medical research into compelling public and human-interest narratives. Awards and Recognition Anuradha has won several awards including the Press Council of India's national award for excellence in journalism under the gender based reporting category in 2019 and the Laadli Media award (gender sensitivity -2024). A recipient of the Lokmat journalism award (gender category-2022), she was also shortlisted for the RedInk awards for excellence in journalism-2021. Her debut book At The Wheel Of Research, an exclusive biography of Dr Soumya Swaminathan the inaugural chief scientist of World Health Organisation was also nominated in the Popular Choice Category of JK Paper AUTHER awards. She has also secured competitive fellowships including the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022), the Survivors Against TB – New Research in TB Media Fellowship (2023) and is part of the prestigious 2025 India Cohort of the WomenLift Health Leadership Journey.” Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) 1. Cancer & Specialized Medical Care "Tata Memorial finds way to kill drug-resistant cancer cells" (Nov 26, 2025): Reporting on a breakthrough for triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. Discipline, diet and purpose; How a 97-year-old professor defies ageing'' (Nov 15, 2025) Report about Prof Gururaj Mutalik, the first Head of Department at Pune's B J Government Medical College who at 97 credits his longevity to healthy habits and a strong sense of purpose. 2. Environmental Health (The "Breathless Pune" Series) Long-term exposure even to 'moderate' air leads to chronic heart, lung, kidney issues" (Nov 26, 2025): Part of an investigative series highlighting that even "safe" pollution levels are damaging to vital organs. "For every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 level, there was 6-8% jump in medicine sales" (Nov 23, 2025): Using commercial data to prove the direct link between air quality and respiratory illnesses in Pune. 3. Lifestyle & Wellness News "They didn't let cancer, diabetes and heart disease stop them from travelling" (Dec 22, 2025): A collaborative piece featuring survivors who share practical tips for traveling with chronic conditions. At 17, his BP shot up to 200/120 mmHG; Lancet study flags why child and teen hypertension doubled between 2000 and 2020'' (Nov 12,2025)--A report that focusses on 17-year-old-boy's hypertensive crisis and reflects the rising global trend of high blood pressure among children and adolescents. 4. Scientific Recognition & Infrastructure For promoting sci-comm, gender diversity: IUCAA woman prof highlighted in Nature" (Nov 25, 2025): Covering the global recognition of Indian women scientists in gender studies and physics. Pune researchers find a spiral galaxy like the Milky Way from early universe'' (December 3, 2025)- A report on how Indian researchers discovered a massive galaxy that existed when the universe was just 1.5 billion years old , one of the earliest to have been observed so far. Signature Beat: Health, Science & Women in Leadership Anuradha is known for her COVID-19 reportage, where she was one of the first journalists to provide detailed insights into the Covishield and Covaxin trials. She has a dedicated interest in gender diversity in health and science, often profiling women researchers who are breaking the "leaky pipeline" in STEM fields. Her writing style is scrupulous, often featuring interviews with top-tier scientists and health experts from various institutions. ... Read More

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