Ex-MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy's patient transfer system gets patent

Hyderabad: An innovation by the team of former MP and social activist Konda Vishweshwar Reddy has received a patent at a time when it can make the best social impact. A patient transfer system which was developed by the former MP in 2010 had got a patent after nine years.

“Got this today from the Government of India Controller of Patents. It was a pleasant surprise to me in these hard times. I had filed for a patent of this innovation in May 2011, glad it was finally awarded to me. I had to defend it and give several clarifications,” Vishweshwar Reddy tweeted announcing the good news.

According to him, the innovation will help hospital staff in maintaining social distance from Covid-19 patients by reducing the manual movement of patients from bed to stretcher.

“Can hospital staff maintain safe "distancing" while transferring Covid +ve patients? Yes, using this Patient Transfer System. It is also safe and much more comfortable to the patient.”

Sharing what inspired him in coming up with this innovative idea, Vishweshwar Reddy said, “In 2010, 11 of my ribs were fractured in a motorcycle accident. I was bed-ridden for three months with bandages. Luckily, I had trained rural youth in multiple skills. This transfer system was developed with their help during the time I was bed-ridden.”

The innovator says this system not only helps in maintaining social distance and makes the job of hospital staff more easy, but also offers better comfort to the patient.

“Manual transfer of patients is unsafe, risks bone and is inconvenient to both the patient and the staff. However, the new Patient Transfer System facilitates a smooth sliding horizontal movement of the patient from the bed to the stretcher and vice versa. It works with or without clothes and does not pinch or bruise the patient's skin. However, it is not advised for burn cases. It can be operated by a single person, sometimes two operators may be needed. If a lot of medical equipment is connected, then three persons may be required.”

The system that works on rechargeable batteries can lift up to 150 kg using this machine and does not create any vibration, say the developers.

Invented under Citadel Research and Solutions, the product has already got a patent from the United States.