Ruhdaar: Low Cost Mechanical Ventilator developed by IIT Bombay

Students from IIT Bombay, Islamic University of Science and Technology, NIT Srinagar have come together to invent a low-cost ventilator called “Ruhdaar”.

About Ruhdaar

The cost of production of one ventilator is Rs 10,000. The design was initiated by the first-year student of IIT Bombay from Kashmir. He began to design the ventilator after learning that his home, the Kashmir Valley had only 97 ventilators in all.

Measures by GoI

In order to increase the number of ventilators in the country, the Government of India has been implementing two-pronged approach. One is to increase domestic production of ventilators and the other is to search for supplies from different parts of the world. The latter option is challenging as ventilators are of high demand in every country.

The Central Government has also identified nine manufactures in the country and has placed order of 59,000 units.

Significance

The COVID-19 infection curve has begun to flatten and the outbreak is under control. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, around 80% of the Indian population infected with COVID-19 are experiencing mild illness, 15% will need oxygen support and only 5% will need ventilators. Though the numbers seem less, the demand may increase as India currently consists of only 40,000 ventilators according to Health Ministry. Therefore, it is essential to invent new models and become self-sufficient in ventilators.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020