International Journal of Health Technology and Innovation

Cost-Effective and Strategic Planning for Cancer Management in India: A Comparative Study of PET/CT and CT Imaging

2025-03-13T07:21:17+00:00

Aim: The aim of the study is to analyze the cost-effectiveness of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/ CT) and computed tomography(CT) for cancer management in India, offering an economic evaluation to address healthcare disparities and inform strategic planning. A cost-effectiveness model was developed to compare PET/CT and CT in cancer management, providing policymakers and healthcare providers with data to support informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance cancer care efficiency in India. Methods: We used a probabilistic and deterministic Markov model which will assess the cost-effectiveness of PET/CT from a societal perspective over 5, 10 years, and a lifetime. Direct medical, non-medical, and indirect costs were calculated and reported with means, standard errors, and distribution types. Costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were discounted at 3% annually. PET/CT unit data across Indian states were mapped against the cancer burden. Results: Over periods of 5, 10 years, and a lifetime, the model demonstrated PET/CT gains of 4.19, 6.42, and 6.99 QALYs, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for PET/CT in comparison to CT was 617, 1,783, and 2,337 for these respective time frames. The probability sensitivity analysis (PSA) results were similar to the base-case lifetime ICER. Conclusion: This is the first Indian study on PET/CT capacity planning, utilizing evidence-based data, which indicates the need for one cyclotron for every 67 million individuals and one PET/CT unit for every 3.562 million individuals. Setting up a PET/CT facility without a cyclotron incurs a cost of INR 17.08 Cr (USD 2,339,048.75), whereas the expense for a cyclotron is INR 58.63 Cr (USD 8,026,734.1).

Optimization of Bio-parameters of Fermentation Medium for L-Glutaminase Production by using Aspergillus flavus Strain S4

2025-02-21T12:51:53+00:00

Due to its potential for treating lymphoblastic leukemia, the amidohydrolase enzyme L-glutaminase has attracted a lot of attention. Using a variety of agro-industrial residues, this study aims to maximize the extracellular synthesis of L-glutaminase by Aspergillus flavus strain S4. To identify ideal production conditions, the effects of important process variables were assessed, such as substrate type, incubation time, temperature, moisture content, starting pH, additional carbon and nitrogen sources, and metal ions. On the second day of incubation, at pH 6.0, 30°C, and 50% moisture content, A. flavus S4 was cultivated on tea dust and produced the most glutaminase under ideal conditions using solid-state fermentation (SSF). The addition of sodium nitrite and dextrose as dietary elements improved production even further.

Uberization of New Age EV Ambulance Fleet: Opportunities and Challenges in India

2025-03-13T07:19:55+00:00

One of the most important compartments of the healthcare ecosystem is Ambulance services, which enables the effective transportation of the healthcare seeker to the healthcare provider. India, as a developing country has a lot of opportunities and challenges to improve, wherein, architecting a proper infrastructure uberizing Ambulance service. This paper draws a picture into the current state of ambulance service available in India, especially considering the tier 1 cities. A mathematical model has been designed to measure the impact of introducing a fully electric fleet of electric ambulances with modern facilities, integrating the environmental impact. This can be used to analyze and understand the feasibility of implementing a uberized system in a particular city. A basic user interface (UI) has been designed for a mobile-based application, which can essentially mediate the process of providing an ecosystem between the hospital, ambulances and the end user. Thus, an overall understanding of the challenges and opportunities of uberizing an electric ambulance fleet is discussed.

Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Telemedicine System Using Hybrid Function

2025-03-13T06:58:20+00:00

Diabetic retinopathy is a prevalent disease affecting the retinas of diabetic patients, often leading to blindness in adults. The condition progresses through various stages, with early detection posing a challenge. To address this issue, an imaging system using hybrid machine learning to detect diabetic retinopathy early while reducing the cost of this procedure and taking into account high efficiency. The system is based on imaging using a smartphone, lifting the lens with one hand and bringing it closer to the eye, and lifting the phone with the other hand while playing the video a lens attachment and a phone flash for illumination, followed by image enhancement and classification using hybrid machine learning. A telemedicine website was implemented to share the results from the main hospital for diagnosis to the sub-center remotely.

Clinical/Biomedical Engineering & Medical Device Trainings Capacity Assessment Survey in Somaliland

2025-02-21T12:55:50+00:00

The healthcare system in Somaliland was seriously affected and the healthcare facilities were totally destroyed during the Somali civil war in 1991. Somaliland now suffers from a serious shortage of health workers. The availability of biomedical and clinical engineers is critical to ensure proper use and maintenance of medical devices.
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the human resource capacity related to clinical and biomedical training access to inform future interventions for building this capacity in Somaliland. This survey design was cross-sectional and data were collected through an online questionnaire using Google Forms for a period of 1 month, 1st Oct - 1st Nov 2024, and targeted those involved in medical device use, handling, maintenance, import, sales and distribution. Data were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS and descriptive statistics were presented using Microsoft Excel.
A total of 69 participants responded to the survey. The survey highlighted limited access to training where most hospitals don’t have basic biomedical engineering departments. Major barriers to access of trainings were: lack of funds, institutions’ lack of capacity to deliver the trainings and lack of awareness on the importance of the trainings. According to the responses, there is a high need for CE training particularly maternal and child health, radiology and critical care equipment.
Further comprehensive assessments and studies are needed to assess the current state of the biomedical and clinical engineering sector in Somaliland to give insights on medical device handling and maintenance procedures, human resources and infrastructure as well.

Challenges and Advances in Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring: A Comprehensive Review for Improved Diabetes Management

2025-02-12T09:45:09+00:00

A key progress in diabetes research is the development of devices that help track and manage blood sugar levels easily. Non-invasive glucose monitoring devices have been developed to help people with diabetes check their blood sugar levels more easily and improve compliance with monitoring. This paper provides a detailed review of past, present, and future non-invasive glucose monitoring techniques, highlighting the key challenges they face. It covers issues such as low accuracy, delays in detecting glucose changes, the need for calibration, and individual differences that affect readings. The review addresses gaps in prior research by emphasizing usability, user experience, and suitability for home usage, acknowledging the significance of integrating user demands into device creation. The main finding is that the interrelated problems of accuracy, usability, and practicality must be addressed by effective non-invasive glucose monitoring systems. Improving the assessment of device acceptability and usability may assist resolve important user issues and open the door for these technologies to be successfully commercialized.

The Role of Digital Assistive Technology in Managing Functional Impairment

2025-02-13T06:03:16+00:00

Digital assistive technology (DAT) is revolutionizing the management of functional impairments by integrating advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual reality (VR). This paper explores the potential of DAT in addressing the needs of individuals with functional limitations, identifies barriers to adoption, and proposes strategies for enhancing accessibility, affordability, and innovation. By fostering inclusivity and impairments independence, DAT is poised to transform healthcare, education, and employment, contributing to equitable opportunities in a connected world.

Landscape of Medical Device Regulation in Nigeria: A Perspective

2025-02-13T06:01:07+00:00

Regulating medical devices is essential to guarantee their safety, effectiveness, and quality. While developed countries have established robust regulatory frameworks, many developing countries, including Nigeria, face challenges in regulating both imported and locally manufactured medical devices. This article explores the regulatory framework of medical devices in developed countries using the case of Medical Device framework in the EU and FDA in US. An overview of medical device regulations in African countries was also provided, with the most focus on NAFDAC and SON in Nigeria. We found that while Nigeria has made progress in strengthening its regulatory framework, it still faces challenges in enforcement, compliance, and aligning with international standards. In addition, the intellectual property landscape and potential conflicts of interest in collaborations with industry players also require attention with the advent of medical devices locally produced in the country. Future directions include; enhanced training of personnel and alignment with international standards. reforms focusing on technological advancements, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to guarantee the security and efficacy of medical devices.

Human Metapneumovirus: Another respiratory virus of concern for Public Health

2025-04-07T09:29:58+00:00

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) was first identified in 2001 and is a significant respiratory pathogen affecting children under the age of five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. An outbreak of HMPV was reported in Beijing, China, in December 2024, with subsequent cases identified in multiple countries, including India. Globally, HMPV accounts for 3-10% of respiratory infections, with severe cases such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia predominantly occurring in high-risk populations. Despite localized clusters in January 2025, Indian health authorities have not reported a significant surge in cases, indicating a need for further surveillance. RT-PCR remains the gold standard for detection, while treatment is mainly supportive, with emerging antiviral and monoclonal antibody therapies showing promise in research. Despite its low mortality rate, HMPV poses challenges for resource-limited settings. This review highlights the critical need for comprehensive epidemiological research, accelerated vaccine development, and increased public awareness to address HMPV’s impact in India effectively.

The Evolving Landscape of Clinical Engineering Contracts Management: Challenges and Opportunities

2025-04-07T07:53:28+00:00

Clinical Evaluation of Remote Patient Monitoring Devices for Post-Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Comparative Analysis of the Omnyk Wearable Ring and FDA-Approved Pulse Oximeter

2025-02-21T13:00:19+00:00

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease patients often require continuous monitoring post-surgery to detect complications early. The AVIDA ring, a wearable monitoring device, offers potential advantages for remote patient monitoring (RPM) by providing real-time tracking of heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO₂).
Methods: In this observational prospective study, 44 post-cardiac surgery patients were monitored using the AVIDA ring and a standard clip-on pulse oximeter to evaluate HR and SpO₂ accuracy. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to compare device readings. Outliers in HR, SpO₂, and inter-beat interval (IBI) were also tracked.
Results: Correlation analyses indicated significant positive associations between AVIDA and clip-on device readings, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.6845 for HR and 0.6833 for SpO₂. Outliers were more frequent among patients with post-coronary artery bypass graft or valve replacement surgeries and occurred more during the daytime, especially in patients with irregular medication adherence.
Discussion: The AVIDA ring demonstrates reliable monitoring capabilities with potential for RPM in post-cardiac patients. It also demonstrates enhanced capabilities in detecting outliers.