Mandi: When personal tragedy struck, Dr. Gajendra Singh, an Assistant Professor at IIT Mandi, channeled his pain into a transformative innovation that could change the future of healthcare for remote communities. The lack of a neonatal ambulance for his newborn daughter, who required urgent care, ignited a fierce determination within Dr. Singh to create a portable neonatal incubator that would bring life-saving healthcare to the most inaccessible areas.
A Father’s Crisis Turns into a Life-Saving Mission
Eighteen months ago, Dr. Singh’s daughter fell critically ill shortly after birth. She needed immediate medical attention and was referred to Chandigarh, but the absence of a neonatal ambulance delayed her treatment. The nearest facility capable of providing the required care was more than 12 hours away, and the regular ambulance was inadequate for such a fragile newborn. This heart-wrenching delay made Dr. Singh realize how challenging it is for families in hilly regions to access essential healthcare services.
“I couldn’t bear seeing my daughter suffer. I knew I had to do something to ensure no other family faced the same helplessness,” Dr. Singh said.
Turning the Idea Into Reality
Determined to make a change, Dr. Singh, with the support of his colleagues and students at IIT Mandi, set out to design a portable neonatal incubator. What started as a personal mission has evolved into a full-fledged startup. The incubator, priced between ₹3-8 lakhs, is an affordable alternative to traditional incubators that cost over ₹35 lakhs, making it accessible to even the most remote parts of India.
Features That Save Lives
This innovative incubator is designed with key features:
- Portability: Can be transported by drones or vehicles.
- Battery Backup: Two hours of power supply for uninterrupted use.
- Therapeutic Functions: Includes built-in phototherapy for jaundice and temperature control.
- Oxygen Support: Essential for neonatal care.
- Digital Health Integration: Allows remote monitoring by doctors.
A Collaborative Effort
Dr. Singh’s journey to innovation is supported by the teamwork of Associate Professor Dr. Satvasheel Powar and students Keshav Verma, Vatsal, Dheeraj, and Badal, whose dedication has been crucial in turning this concept into reality.
A Vision for Every Child’s Future
Dr. Singh’s vision is clear: no parent should ever experience the helplessness he did. This project isn’t just about technology; it’s about providing hope and accessible healthcare for every child, no matter where they are born.
With this revolutionary incubator, Dr. Gajendra Singh has proven that personal adversity can be a powerful catalyst for change, transforming a heart-wrenching experience into a solution that will benefit countless families across the country.
