Sustainable Research Hub
IIT Kharagpur has inaugurated the sustainable phase of its Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH) on Affordable Healthcare. Established in 2019, the hub aims to develop affordable and practical healthcare technologies for people across India.
The facility will now operate as a self-sustaining centre through user fees, industry partnerships, and technology collaborations.
Supporting Indigenous Technology
Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, inaugurated the new phase. She highlighted the hub’s role in supporting MSMEs, start-ups, and innovators in developing indigenous medical technologies.
Furthermore, IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty emphasised the need for affordable and reliable healthcare solutions, especially in areas with limited infrastructure.
Reaching Underserved Communities
As per The Times of India, the hub has supported more than 20 technology transfers, with several innovations moving towards commercialisation. It has also trained frontline health workers to use affordable diagnostic technologies in underserved regions.
Overall, the initiative aims to connect research with real-world healthcare needs and improve access to affordable medical technologies across communities.