THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The General Hospital in the state capital has become the first government hospital in the country to deploy G Gaiter, developed by Genrobotics, the city-based startup internationally acclaimed for using technology for social change.
Health Minister Veena George dedicated the advanced gait training robot to the hospital at a function at the University College here last night as part of the ‘Keraleeyam’ celebrations. The innovative robotic technology ensures world-class neurorehabilitation treatment for patients with limited mobility.
Genrobotics created the robot revolutionising human mobility recovery with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council’s (K-DISC) mission to promote new technologies for the state’s development.
G Gaiter, jointly installed by the Department of Health and K-DISC at the hospital, trains people who lost mobility due to stroke, spinal injury, accidents, Parkinson’s disease and similar conditions to recover faster with minimal dependency on others.
The number of people disabled by such conditions in Kerala is more than 840,000, and according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the number of disability cases from stroke in the state is above the national average.
The ICMR study shows there are 152 stroke patients in a population of 100,000 in Kerala, while the national average is only 93.
G Gaiter technology helps them to achieve faster recovery from disability than the tedious process currently in practice. It also helps boost the patient’s morale for a motivated therapy session.
“Kerala is now ready to make advanced medical treatment using artificial intelligence and robotics available for people,” the minister said.
“The new technology will ensure better treatment and speedy rehabilitation for the people who lost mobility due to various ailments.”
The minister also launched the Antibiogram Application and Young Innovators’ Programme.
K-DISC Member Secretary Dr Unnikrishnan termed it the most important project in helping people retain their quality of life while contributing to the state’s journey towards a knowledge society.
VK Prashant MLA presided over the function attended by Corporation Councillor Palayam Rajan and Genrobotics partners MK Vimal Govind, Afsal Muttikkal and NP Nikhil.
The technology has the approval of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, the national regulator for medical devices, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
G Gaiter, already installed by the Aster Group at its hospitals in Kerala, is seen as a significant step in the direction of utilising robotic technology in the rehabilitation of patients with limited mobility.
The state government also plans to deploy G Gaiter at its medical college hospitals in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Kottayam.
