In the recent news, it has been reported that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken a leap in healthcare aviation by designing, developing and inducting an innovative piece of medical equipment called the Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated Transportation (ARPIT). This pod will serve as an essential asset in the evacuation of critically ill patients, especially those infected with contagious diseases like Covid-19, from hard-to-reach high altitude regions and remote areas.
Indigenous Innovation Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative
Keeping in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative, the IAF endeavoured to use only indigenous materials in fabricating ARPIT. The need for such an air evacuation system that could efficiently prevent the contagion spread from Covid-19 patients during air travel intensified when the disease was declared a pandemic.
Key Features of the Lightweight Isolation System
ARPIT boasts of a transparent and sturdy cast perspex – an effective alternative to glass – to ensure enhanced visibility of the patient. This isolation system is more spacious than existing models in terms of height, length, and breadth. It provides for a suitable number of air exchanges, facilitates integration of medical monitoring instruments, and administers ventilation to intubated patients. Furthermore, it maintains high constant negative pressure within the isolation chamber which significantly reduces the infection risk to the aircrew, ground crew, and healthcare workers involved in air transportation.
Effective Use of High-Efficiency Particulate Air
The pod employs High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) H-13 class filters and is compatible with invasive ventilation using transport ventilators. HEPA is a renowned air-filtration method designed to trap at least 99.97% of tiny airborne particles, dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, of minimum size 0.3 micrometre.
Cost-Effective Healthcare Solution
Developed on a modest budget of Rs. 60,000, ARPIT stands as a cost-effective solution compared to imported systems which can cost up to Rs. 60 lakh. This innovative healthcare initiative by the IAF not only amplifies India’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic but also is a significant step towards achieving healthcare self-reliance.
