In a groundbreaking advancement in healthcare technology, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has introduced India’s first mobile medical devices calibration facility, developed under the ‘Anaivarukkum IITM’ (IITM for all) Initiatives.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, inaugurated the facility at the campus on Monday, April 15, alongside Prof. R. Sarathi, Dean (Planning), Prof. M. Anbarasu (Head, CEC), and Prof. S. Ramakrishnan, faculty, and students.

Addressing the significance of the initiative, Prof. V. Kamakoti emphasized the critical role of proper diagnosis and treatment in healthcare, underscoring the need for accurate and frequent calibration of medical devices. He noted that while the escalating costs of calibration pose challenges, this effort aims to reduce both the cost and time required for calibration, thereby advancing affordable, scalable, and quality healthcare for all.

The maintenance and quality assurance of life-saving medical devices are imperative for effective healthcare delivery. Calibration ensures the accuracy of medical instruments, which is crucial for precise disease diagnosis and treatment effectiveness. The mobile calibration facility developed by IIT Madras is a pioneering initiative in India, aimed at providing affordable, high-quality calibration services to enable accurate disease diagnosis and treatment.

This mobile facility will extend pervasive quality healthcare services across the country, irrespective of geographical locations. It will cater to testing and maintaining medical devices used in hospitals, including those in rural areas, ensuring accessibility to calibration services at their doorstep.

This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which advocates for Health and well-being for all.

Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, the mobile unit offers comprehensive testing capabilities to ensure the safety and functionality of medical devices, adhering to international standards.

The launch of India’s first mobile medical devices calibration facility by IIT Madras marks a significant milestone in advancing healthcare accessibility and quality, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to innovation and societal impact.