The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) will be part of the consortium being floated by the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council to develop the State as a medical hub for development and manufacturing of cutting-edge medical technologies and healthcare solutions.
The proposed consortium will come up with projects that would develop innovative cost-effective solutions for special clinical needs relevant to the State and the rest of the country.
People close to the development told The Hindu that other participating universities in the first phase of the initiative included A. P. J Abdul Kalam Technological University and Kerala University of Health Sciences. K. M. Abraham, former Chief Secretary, is the chairman of the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council.
Cusat’s core strength in the field of biotechnology and research will be utilised as part of the project. The university will submit a report before the consortium, identifying the areas on which it could contribute while developing cost-effective solutions for special clinic needs and development and manufacturing of cutting-edge medical technologies and healthcare solutions.
The cost required for developing these projects would also be worked out as part of the proposal.
Researchers will be asked to come up with ideas related to the objectives of the proposed venture. The council has plans to include the participation of industries in the product development phase.
Development of cost-effective medicare solutions and equipment is a major focus area of the council. Other sectors include education, agriculture, industries, science and technology research, water, environment and sanitation.
The proposed consortium will help partners develop its ideas and proposals and take it forward to the implementation stage. Researchers will be encouraged to come up with innovative and path-breaking healthcare solutions. Besides coming up with new technologies, they will also brainstorm on how to upgrade existing equipment and medical devices.
The council will present success stories such as the low-cost, fully indigenous mechanical heart valve prosthesis developed by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences as a case study before the innovators participating in its ventures. It will create supportive innovative eco-systems and encourage talents in universities, colleges, and industries to come up with new ideas.
Cusat has plans to leverage the strengths of its proposed laboratory of international standards as part of developing innovative solutions in the field of healthcare. The laboratory is part of the ₹243 crore development plan that got support under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board.
