BY : Express news service


Composite herbal preparations, high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) bags, new treatment modalities for cold injuries, biodigester to take care of human waste at high altitudes — the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been working on indigenous R&D in life sciences to protect the health of India’s armed forces working in extreme conditions.

DRDO’s innovations have not only helped Indian soldiers, but are also being adopted by the Indian industry for commercial use, said Dr W Selvamurthy, chief controller, Research & Development, DRDO, during his hour-long presentation at PGI today.

“We cannot import everything as imported items are not made to Indian specifications. The requirements of our soldiers are different and we need home-grown technology to cater to their needs,” said Dr Selvamurthy.

For soldiers posted in high-altitude terrains, hypoxia or shortage of oxygen, physical efficiency and acclimatisation to the temperature were issues that the DRDO grappled with.

“We conducted well controlled experiments to see whether Yoga, pranayam and meditation helped in enhancing performance. Today, these have been introduced in the Army and Navy and will soon be taken up by the Airforce too,” said Dr Selvamurthy.

Composite herbal preparations prepared by the DRDO are also awaiting clearance by the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).

The DRDO labs have also come up with a HAPO bag to treat pulmonary oedema. “This condition happens at high altitude when water gets into the lungs. The HAPO bags are life-saving devices that maintain a lower altitude temperature,” explained Dr Selvamurthy.” The patient has to be put into the bag and a reversal of symptoms will occur,” he said. Other innovations, such as, diagnostic field kits, hybrid cows that provide 18 litres of milk at high altitude, biodigesters to take care of human waste have also made life easier for the armed forces.

“The crux of the matter is that we have to build our own technology without depending on the West,” said Dr Selvamurthy. “Young talent in institutes, like, PGI, AIIMS and IIT, need to come up with ideas. R&D can be done by organisations like the DRDO and the product can be marketed by the industry. This will ensure that we keep pace with technological advancement in the West,” he said.