Written by : Dr. Aishwarya Sarthe
April 24, 2024
This collaborative effort aims to address the unique healthcare requirements of the Indian populace through a multidisciplinary approach.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur and All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur have joined forces to drive advancements in medical technology by creating robust solutions.
Through joint academic programs, students from diverse backgrounds, such as engineering, medicine, nursing, bioengineering, and allied fields, are equipped with the tools to identify healthcare challenges and develop solutions.
Adding comments, Prof Santanu Chaudhary, director of IIT Jodhpur, said, "Indian patients receive medical technologies created for the developed world and are now adapted for local needs. This collaboration is a step in that direction to bring about solutions to cater to Indian needs."
This collaborative effort aims to address the unique healthcare requirements of the Indian populace through a multidisciplinary approach.
Students enrolled in these joint programs will undergo three crucial phases: Identify, Invent, and Implement.
This structured approach will nurture innovation along with preparing future medtech entrepreneurs.
In the implementation phase, students will be provided with biodesign fellowships, prayas grants, and startup seed support to transform their ideas into tangible solutions.
Further, IIT Jodhpur and AIIMS Jodhpur have established an ecosystem that incentivizes innovation and facilitates converting deep-tech research into practical applications.
This concerted effort has resulted in the emergence of several startups and technologies addressing critical healthcare needs.
Some noteworthy innovations include novel syringe designs, digitally designed maxillofacial prosthetics, and non-invasive devices for correcting nasal septal defects.
Recent developments from IIT Jodhpur highlight significant strides in medical sensor technology. Researchers have successfully developed a nanosensor capable of tracking disease progression and offering rapid medical support. This sensor targets cytokines, aiding in the early diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases.
Additionally, a human breath sensor, touted as the first "Made in India" product of its kind, was introduced. This sensor, based on metal oxides and nanosilicon, demonstrates potential applications in detecting alcohol levels in breath and monitoring various respiratory conditions.
In another development, researchers at IIT Jodhpur unveiled a smartphone-enabled system for glucose monitoring. This innovative approach integrates a paper-based analytical device with a smartphone app, allowing quick and accessible glucose level detection. By leveraging the widespread availability of smartphones, this technology promises to streamline glucose monitoring, particularly for patients with diabetes.
Furthermore, a computer-aided diagnosis system developed by IIT Jodhpur researchers presents a cost-effective and non-invasive solution for early detection of hypertensive retinopathy. Leveraging deep learning technology, this system provides timely and accurate diagnosis, enhancing emergency treatment options for patients.
HR, a retinal condition caused by prolonged hypertension, acts as a crucial indicator for various health issues, including risks to the heart, brain, and kidneys. The method developed by IIT Jodhpur demonstrates diagnostic precision, with an average accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision of nearly 98.5%.