Modulus Housing, a start-up supported by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Madras, has developed a portable hospital unit called ‘MediCab’, which can be installed anywhere within two hours by just four people.
‘MediCab’ is a decentralized approach to detect, screen, identify, isolate and treat COVID-19 patients in their local communities through these portable microstructures.
Equipped with 15 beds and is fire, water and termite-proof. The microstructure has built-in bathrooms and electrical exhausts with industrial dome, air conditioning, fans and lighting. A single truck can transport 6 such units at any time to any place.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Modulus Housing – Shreeram Ravichandran said, “The outcome of this pilot project in Kerala will help in proving the applicability of the technology and advantages of micro hospitals, with MediCab as an instant infrastructure solution. When folded, our collapsible cabins are reduced five-fold, making it very cost-effective for transportation.”
The product is foldable and consists of 4 zones – a doctor’s room, an isolation room, a medical room / ward and a twin-bed ICU, maintained at negative pressure. The use of MediCab is not only restricted to COVID-19. Once the pandemic is over, these units can be transformed into micro-hospitals or clinics which can be set-up in rural India.
Meanwhile, the Co-Founder of Microsoft Corporation – Bill Gates has said that Indian pharmaceutical companies will be able to produce Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine not just for India but for the entire world. The statement was made for a documentary, ‘COVID-19: India’s War Against the Virus’, which premiered today, i.e., July 16, 2020 on Discovery Plus Channel at 8:00 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST).
Sharing the details of the broadcast, the Official Twitter Handle of Discovery India Channel tweeted, “When the fear of dangerous coronavirus loomed over our nation, a new line of defense rose to the occasion. For their bravery, Discovery is #SalutingTheFrontline. Watch COVID-19: India’s War Against The Virus, 16 July at 8 PM on Discovery Plus and 20 July at 8 PM on Discovery.”
It further tweeted, “Explore every front of the country’s battle against coronavirus. Witness real stories of selflessness, dedication and duty on COVID-19: India’s War Against the Virus, premieres 20 July at 8 PM on Discovery.”
Bill Gates also said in the documentary that India faces huge challenge as it the second highest population in the world after China.
Speaking on the occasion, Bill Gates said, “Commenting on the strength of India’s pharma industry, he said, “India has a lot of capacity there — with the drug and vaccine companies that are huge suppliers to the entire world. You know, more vaccines are made in India than anywhere– starting with Serum Institute, that’s the largest.”
He further said, “But (there are) also Bio E, Bharat (Biotech), many others. They are doing work to help make the coronavirus vaccine, building on other great capacities that they have used for other diseases.”
Meanwhile, India’s total tally has rose to 9,68,876 cases and 24,915 casualties with 32,695 fresh cases and 606 casualties today. Maharashtra remains the worst hit State reporting 8,641 fresh cases and 266 casualties in the past 24 hours. Of this, Mumbai today reported 1,498 cases and 56 casualties. Mumbai has more than 97,751 cases and 5,520 casualties. The total number of cases in the entire State have surged to 2,84,281 and there have been 11,194 casualties. Tamil Nadu, the second worst hit State reported 4,549 new cases and 69 casualties. The State now has 1,56,369 cases and 2,236 casualties. Delhi, the third most hot place reported 1,652 fresh cases and 58 casualties, taking the total tally to 1,18,645 cases and 3,545 casualties.
In other developments, Odisha Government has announced 14-day complete lockdown in Ganjam, Khordha, Cuttack and Jajpur Districts and Rourkela Municipal Corporation area July 17 to July 31, 2020.
Punjab Government has fixed the rates for COVID-19 treatment. For moderate sickness requiring isolation beds, including supportive care & oxygen, rates per day of admission are fixed at Rs. 10,000 for all private medical colleges and Rs. 9,000 for NABH accredited hospitals and Rs. 8,000 for Non-NABH accredited. Rates across these categories of hospitals for severe sickness (ICU without need for ventilator) have been capped, at Rs. 15,000, Rs. 14,000 and Rs. 13,000 respectively, per day. For critical patients, the rates are Rs. 18,000, Rs. 16,500 and Rs. 15,000 respectively per day.
