A government-funded startup, Jeevtronics Pvt. Ltd, has developed a defibrillator, SanMitra 1000 HCT, that works with both AC mains and a hand-cranked generator built into the unit, and does not require any battery change, according to information provided by the Department of Biotechnology.

The affordable, low-weight device is considered more reliable than traditional defibrillators by experts as it can be used even in areas where electricity is not available.

The startup has reported that the device’s battery has been tested for a large number of charge-discharge cycles thereby making it cost-effective. The device is ideal for hospitals located in cities and remote areas.

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So far, over 200 devices have been deployed across India and Africa, according to data submitted by the start-up. The “ambulance grade” defibrillator is priced at a fraction of the cost of MNC brands. 

Jeevtronics, an ISO13485 certified company, has already received four patents in US and India, and had been facilitated financially by BIRAC under the schemes of BIG and IIPME (Early Transition stage) in the past.

SanMitra 1000 HCT is designed to international IEC standards for medical devices and the patented technology costs INR 99,999+ taxes, which is1/4th of the big brands, as reported by the start-up. These defibrillators can be usually preferred over chest compressions (CPR), and can even prove fruitful in treating COVID-19 patients suffering from issues related to rate or rhythm of the heartbeat (Arrythmias).

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The start-up was funded by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a not-for-profit Public Sector Enterprise, that has been set up by the Department of Biotechnology. The enterprise acts as an interface agency to enhance and encourage the evolving biotechnology industry to implement strategic research and development of products to meet the needs of the country.