Regulator nod for SwasthVayu- non-invasive ventilators developed by CSIR-NAL scientists

Bengaluru: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and National Aeronautics Limited (CSIR-NAL) scientists along with medical professionals from CSIR-IGIB came forward to address the shortages of ventilators in the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and indigenously designed and developed the non-invasive bilevel positive airway pressure ventilator - SwasthVayu, with additional features to treat Covid-19 patients and make the country self-reliant. The performance of the device has been evaluated by the expert committee constituted by Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The expert committee, after careful evaluation, has concluded that SwasthVayu may be used on Covid-19 patients who require oxygen supplementation up to 35%.

SwasthVayu developed by CSIR-NAL is a microcontroller based precise closed-loop adaptive control system with a built-in biocompatible "3D printed manifold and coupler" with HEPA (Highly Efficient Particulate Air) filter. These unique features help alleviate the fear of the virus spread. It has features like CPAP, Bi-Timed, Spontaneous / AUTO modes with provision to connect oxygen concentrator or enrichment unit externally.

The ventilator has gone through stringent tests for electrical safety, performance and bio-compatibility at NABL accredited agency. The SwasthVayu has successfully conducted clinical trials at Command Hospital, Bangalore and Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore on 50 Covid-19 patients. The clinical trial reports clearly bring out that the performance of "SwasthVayu" ventilator device is satisfactory and effective in improving saturation during use for Covid-19 patients. It is the culmination of dedicated efforts of medical professionals at CSIR-IGIB and aerospace scientists at CSIR-NAL including support from CSIR-NAL Health Center, Command Hospital, Bangalore and Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore.

CSIR-NAL has commercialized this technology with six private companies and one of these companies (which is in the MSME category) has set up the production facilities for almost 300 units per week. CSIR-NAL recently bagged an order for supply of 1200 SwasthVayu machines from Delhi government, and the execution & installation at various hospitals in the national capital is being implemented. With this, the country is now self-reliant in this technology, which is a major achievement under the Atmanirbhar vision of government of India.

PM CARES Fund Trust allocates Rs.201.58 crores for installation of 162 dedicated PSA Medical Oxygen Generation Plants in public health facilities.

A total of 162 plants with total capacity of 154.19 MT are to be installed in 32 States/UTs.

Government hospitals where these plants are to be installed have been identified in consultation with the States/UTs concerned.

Karnataka is allocated six medical oxygen generation plants.

State Health Minister Dr K.Sudhakar thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allocating six medical oxygen generation plants to Karnataka through the PM Cares Fund. These plants will not only help meet the demand for oxygen during this pandemic but will also strengthen public health system in the long-term, the minister observed.