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COVID-19 truly exposed the gaps that exist in India’s healthcare system, especially in rural and economically backward areas. Be it the unavailability of hospital beds, adequately trained medical personnel, or simple basic medicines to counter regular diseases, India’s healthcare system is crippled with several challenges and problems. Looking at these, unlike many others who lose hope, Nehal – a 16-year-old innovator, decided to take matters into her own hands. She developed three key medical innovations that can support the healthcare sector in remote areas and provide quick, easy, and economical solutions to medical requirements.
Her Inspiration
Talking about her inspiration to work towards scientific solutions for India’s health problems, Nehal says that she feels late diagnosis is one of the biggest problems that plague India’s healthcare system and needs urgent attention. During COVID-19, due to the fear of contracting infections, people resisted visiting hospitals and laboratories to get tested, often delaying diagnosis and ultimately complicating their medical condition. To address this challenge, Nehal decided to develop three innovative medical devices, namely, a Self Blood Tester, Pneumo Free mask System, and CVMT technology – to help healthcare workers and people, in general, to look after their health better.
Self-Blood Tester
Blood Testing has become important and, in most cases, a primary aspect of health diagnostics. Keeping this in mind, Nehal developed a Self-Blood Tester Kit which can help anyone perform blood tests at home in a matter of a few minutes. The kit consists of a syringe, dropper, and a rectangular testing kit. The Self-Blood Test Kit developed by her is capable of performing the fastest and most accurate blood tests and diagnosis of 13 blood diseases including blood cancer. Being small in size and friendly to be used by people directly, Self Blood Tester Kit is a cost-effective solution as compared to expensive laboratory tests. The kit also consists of QR code technology to register and submit test results. Currently, the kit is in the production phase and she soon plans to expand its production further.
Click Here for Details about Self Blood Tester Kit
Pneumo Free mask System
Another innovation that was developed by Nehal was Pneumo Free mask System – a unique mask that helps in preventing Pneumonia among patients. The system consists of involves a mask, air purifier, lithium-ion battery pack, solar power, and silicon air pipe. The system offers three benefits /prime features, i.e., Streptococcus pneumonia (bacterial) protection, Oxygen supporter and acts as a Lung cleaner as well. Preliminary studies have proven that patients using this mask have only a 3% chance of developing pneumonia. The mask has been deemed safe to be used for children under 5 years as well. Currently, the system is in its prototype form.
CCMT Technology
Nehal has also worked upon and developed a Cardiovascular Movement Tresser Technology which can help in the early detection of Heart Attacks. The device includes a simple belt that is placed near the cardiac region of the patient and once activated, the detection rays check for positions of clots in blood vessels. The CCMT technology can also detect any clots that are still in their formative stages near the heart region. The CCMT device informs healthcare workers about the status of a patient’s condition through Red, Yellow, and Green Signals with the help of software.
The CCMT Device has great advantages for early diagnoses of heart attack, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. The device can track and notify changes that occur in the heart prior to an attack, including heartbeat range, abnormal heart sounds, etc. The technology developed by Nehal can prove to be a vital asset in early detection and diagnosis of abnormal heart conditions and in turn save a patient’s life.
Other Achievements
With all these innovations, she has participated in FOSS4Gov Innovation Challenge, MIT Solve Global Challenge, RISE Innovation challenge, and India International Science Festival. The results of these competitions are yet to be announced. She has also been featured in the India Book of Record and also received Maharashtra young innovation award, Junior scientist award, Youth Ideathon top award, VVM topper award.
Click Here to View Nehal’s Awards and Certificates
Nehal Joshi is a finalist for Best Use of Science and Technology Because…she used her interest in science to develop innovative solutions to the challenges being faced by India’s healthcare sector. Along with her scientific zeal, she has also helped improve the availability of healthcare facilities and services to fellow citizens through her work.
To Reach the Information Dossier Shared by Nehal Joshi Click Here.