SCTIMST: How a Kerala Institute Became India's Healthcare Innovation Model

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan has declared SCTIMST as an inspirational model for all government institutions across India. The institute's remarkable achievements include performing nearly two lakh heart valve surgeries and developing numerous indigenous medical devices. Its Chitra blood bags are now used in every hospital throughout India and Asia, demonstrating widespread impact. With 53 biomedical projects in development and affordable vascular stents coming soon, SCTIMST continues to advance healthcare accessibility for all Indians.

Key Points: VP Radhakrishnan Hails SCTIMST as Government Institution Model

  • Institute has performed nearly two lakh heart valve surgeries for patients nationwide
  • 53 biomedical projects currently in various development stages at SCTIMST
  • 40 patients received second-generation indigenous heart valves developed internally
  • Chitra blood bags used across every hospital in India and Asia
  • Vascular stents and ventricular systems to be available affordably soon
2 min read

SCTIMST an inspiration for government institutions: Vice President Radhakrishnan

Vice President praises SCTIMST's affordable medical innovations, 2 lakh heart valve surgeries, and indigenous device development transforming Indian healthcare.

"The government's goal is 'health for all', and Sree Chitra is making that vision a reality - Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan"

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 4

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday hailed the Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) in Thiruvananthapuram as a model for all government institutions in the country, noting its pioneering work in affordable healthcare innovations and medical device development.

Addressing a gathering after visiting an exhibition of indigenous medical devices developed by the institute’s faculty and affiliated start-ups, Radhakrishnan said that the institute’s success story demonstrated the transformative potential of public research institutions when combined with innovation and societal commitment.

The Vice-President pointed out that nearly two lakh patients have undergone heart valve surgeries at the institute, a feat that underscores its excellence in cardiac care.

"Fifty-three biomedical projects are currently under various stages of development at Sree Chitra. The institute’s record includes 19 design registrations, 35 technology transfers, and several patents reflect its leading role in India’s medical technology ecosystem," he observed.

Highlighting the institution’s self-reliance drive, Radhakrishnan said 40 patients had already received the second-generation indigenous heart valve developed at the SCTIMST.

"Today, the Chitra blood bag is used in every hospital across India and Asia, a testament to the institute’s quality and reliability," he added.

He noted that devices such as vascular stents and ventricular assist systems developed at the institute would soon be made available to Indian patients at affordable prices.

“The government’s goal is ‘health for all’, and Sree Chitra is making that vision a reality by ensuring access to cutting-edge medical technologies for even the poorest,” he said.

Research, he emphasised, must always translate into tangible social impact, and Sree Chitra’s work exemplified that spirit.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who also addressed the gathering, said the institute symbolised the ideals of a self-reliant India by serving the common people through indigenous innovation.

Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi, State Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal, and SCTIMST Director Dr Sanjay Behari were among those present.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some positive news about our public institutions! The Chitra blood bag being used across Asia shows our quality standards. Hope other government hospitals learn from SCTIMST's model of innovation and patient care.
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Sarah B
As someone whose father underwent heart surgery, I know how expensive medical devices can be. SCTIMST's work on affordable indigenous heart valves and stents will be life-changing for millions of middle-class families. 🙏
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Arjun K
While I appreciate SCTIMST's achievements, I wish more government institutions would follow this model. Many state hospitals still lack basic facilities. The gap between elite institutions and regular government hospitals is still too wide.
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Karthik V
This is the real Make in India success story! 35 technology transfers and 19 design registrations show how research can actually benefit common people. Kerala continues to lead in healthcare innovation.
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Michael C
Impressive numbers - 2 lakh heart surgeries and 40 patients already receiving second-gen indigenous valves. This is exactly the kind of medical self-reliance India needs to reduce dependency on expensive imports.

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