Make in India ultrasound scanner

KOZHIKODE: The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) here has started developing an indigenous ultrasound scanner under the Make in India campaign.

The 'indigenous colour doppler ultrasound scanner with PNDT (pre-natal diagnostic technique) compliance' envisions a prototype of imported scanner for pregnancy for all primary health centres (PHC) in rural India.

"Currently, we are importing ultrasound scanners costing from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore. Our attempt is to manufacture one at around Rs 5 lakh, which if imported, could cost Rs 25 lakh," NIELIT director Dr M. B. Pillai said.

If succeeded, scanning could be done at a meagre Rs 100, significantly lower than the prevailing rate of Rs 2000-3000. The three-year project will complete in November 2018.

A significant feature of the machine is the automatic sex determination monitoring to prevent rampant female foeticide in North India. "The scanning details of the pregnant woman should automatically come filled in the PNDT form. Along with this, the biometric details will be stored on the server kept at Union ministry of health and family affairs in New Delhi. Thus, scanning at each stage is closely monitored leaving no room for abortion," said Jayaraj U. Kidav, an electronics scientist in the 13-member team.

The GPS facility helps tracking the location where the scanning is done. The total project cost is Rs 2.92 crore and NIELIT has already received the first instalment of Rs 1.1 crore.

The project team consists of five engineers and four electronics scientists and technical officers. Ultrasound scanner is also used for early cancer screening, the whole abdomen check-up and checking heart velocity.