In a significant stride towards strengthening India’s primary healthcare infrastructure, the Technology Development Board (TDB) has announced its financial support for an indigenous AI-powered blood testing device. The agreement, signed with New Delhi-based startup M/s Primary Healthtech Pvt. Ltd., will accelerate the development and commercial-scale manufacturing of their IoT-enabled “Mobilab” device. This move is poised to bridge the critical gap in diagnostics, particularly in the country’s rural and remote regions.
The Mobilab device, a portable, battery-operated clinical chemistry analyzer, leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to perform a wide range of blood tests at the point of care. Its current prototype can analyze over 25 parameters related to kidney, liver, and heart health, as well as vitamins and certain cancer markers. The TDB-backed project aims to enhance this prototype, allowing it to conduct five tests simultaneously and significantly reducing patient waiting times. The next-generation device will include essential tests for Hemoglobin, Creatinine, Bilirubin, Cholesterol, and Glucose, among others.
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) by promoting indigenous innovation in the medical technology sector. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, emphasized the national priority of ensuring quality healthcare in underserved areas. “This project not only addresses affordability and accessibility but also showcases India’s capability in developing cutting-edge, AI-powered diagnostic solutions for primary healthcare,” he stated.
Primary Healthtech Pvt. Ltd., founded by IIT Guwahati alumni, emerged from a multidisciplinary team dedicated to creating affordable diagnostic technologies for marginalized populations. The company, which has already received a CDSCO manufacturing license, expressed gratitude for the TDB’s support, stating that it will “accelerate our journey from lab innovation to large-scale deployment.” The vision is to make advanced diagnostics available at the point of care, eliminating the need for patients in remote areas to travel long distances to urban diagnostic centers.
The deployment of such devices could be a game-changer for India’s healthcare system, addressing the shortage of diagnostic labs and skilled technicians in rural areas. By providing quick and accurate results, Mobilab is expected to facilitate earlier disease detection and more timely medical interventions, ultimately improving health outcomes for millions.
