India has taken a step forward in accessible healthcare with the signing of a new agreement to scale up AI-enabled diagnostic technologies.
The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology on Monday inked a pact with Primary Healthtech Pvt Ltd, a New Delhi-based startup, for the development of “Mobilab” — a portable, IoT-enabled blood testing device powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning.
According to officials, Mobilab is designed to conduct a wide range of diagnostic tests, including hemoglobin, creatinine, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, glucose, and GGT, among others. By delivering results quickly at the point of care, the device is expected to reduce waiting times and improve access, particularly in underserved regions. Plans are also in place to scale up commercial manufacturing.
Primary Healthtech was founded by IIT Guwahati alumni Sahil Jagnani and Ankit Choudhury, who lead a team of doctors, researchers, entrepreneurs, professors, and students working on low-cost diagnostic innovations.
The Science and Technology Ministry noted that support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) had helped accelerate the development of Mobilab, which can test over 25 parameters related to the kidney, liver, heart, vitamins, and cancer. The battery-operated analyzer has been developed indigenously, and several patents have been filed.
Officials said the initiative not only boosts affordable healthcare access but also strengthens India’s indigenous research and innovation ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, said: “Ensuring quality healthcare access in rural and remote regions is a national priority. This project not only addresses affordability and accessibility but also demonstrates India’s capability in developing indigenous, AI-powered diagnostic solutions for primary healthcare.”