In an attempt to track COVID-19 patients and the people with whom they have come in contact with, the Government is trying to launch a dedicated wristband which will be linked to an application software- Aarogya Setu.

The government’s technology arm, Broadcast Engineering Consultants India (BECIL) has finally closed the bids for wristband development on April 20th. BECIL will now pitch the design and the utility of this device to AIIMS and other reputable government hospitals within this week. This will be followed by a pitch to the state governments to implement this device.

Details

BECIL will work with two undisclosed tech-based Indian startups for the research and development of this wristband. The price bracket has been set at INR 2,200 per piece. However, the government is also open to a reduction in prices if there is an increase in demand.

Sources say that the device will ensure that an infected individual is under surveillance 24x7. The device will automatically alert the hospital authorities immediately if there is an attempt to remove the device It will also serve as an analyzing monitor which will keep a check on the patient's vitals. This will also connect necessary information about the people the patient keeps close contact with, as well as the occasional contacts such as cab drivers etc.

Progress as of now

Till this date, it has held meetings with both the companies in charge of R&D of this device for the design and conceptuality of the wristbands.

Reports from various media sources state that the PMO has set up a top-priority committee to rejuvenate the Aarogya Setu app that will work in tandem with the wristband in development. The committee consists of people from the top brass as well as the leading executives of our country- IT secretary Ajay Sawhney, telecom secretary Anshu Prakash, TRAI chairman RS Sharma, Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra, Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran, Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurmani, IIT-Madras chaired professor Dr. V Kamakoti and Google Maps-India's Lalitesh Katragadda. The committee will be led by Principal scientific advisor to the Government, Prof. Dr. Vijay Raghavan.

Conclusion

With the COVID-19 pandemic on a rampage, our country is aiming to implement a one-stop solution for all healthcare facilities as well as comprehensive surveillance of the affected mass. It firmly believes that devices like these will ease the burden on the healthcare workers who are toiling day and night to fight this problem.