To minimize healthcare workers' contact with infected patients and contaminated surroundings, PGIMER on Saturday said it has developed a state-of-the art low cost automated robotic trolley for Covid patients, an affordable and customized solution for local needs.
The device was formally launched by Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Director Jagat Ram on Saturday.
Acronymed as DOOT (delivery, observance and orchestrated telecommunicator), this robotic device was designed and developed by Resident Doctors Pranay Mahajan and Shailesh Gahukar from the Department of Hospital Administration.
The Director lauded both for their commendable initiative and said: "The health and safety of our frontline corona warriors is always our utmost concern as they are putting their own lives at risk to save the lives of others, He said.
This robotic device is PGIMER's step forward in the direction of self-reliance and safety. By delivering medicines and food among patients in the isolation wards, wherein the chances of getting infected with the virus are maximum for the healthcare workers, this automated trolley will help in reducing their interaction with Covid-19 patients to a great extent, Jagat Ram added.
Vipin Koushal, in charge of Covid Hospital, said: "With a spike in the number of corona positive patients earlier, we brainstormed about multiple affordable options to ensure better safety for our Covid-19 team in addition to SOPs being followed.
"That's how DOOT came into being. It is a special, affordable and customized solution for our local needs. It was quite a challenge as well as it was developed during the lockdown period when nothing was available in the market." He said it was managed within a nominal budget of Rs 25,000 with the constant support of the engineering department of the PGIMER.