India’s first ‘CT in a box’ installed at Mumbai’s BKC COVID jumbo facility

Enabled by Wipro GE Healthcare; CSR initiative by PNB Housing Finance, Larsen & Toubro and SNC-Lavalin

Wipro GE Healthcare’s ‘CT in a Box’, a unique solution to diagnose and manage COVID-19 patients, was installed at the jumbo COVID-19 center at Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) grounds.

Maharashtra has unfortunately had the heaviest burden of COVID-19 cases in the country with Mumbai as the epicenter. Leading the charge in the fight against the pandemic is Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) which has established reportedly the biggest COVID-19 center at the BKC grounds.

To augment ongoing efforts, a consortium of three companies – PNB Housing Finance, Larsen & Toubro, SNC-Lavalin, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts joined hands to provide a ‘CT in a Box’ to this facility which was handed over to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This joint CSR effort was facilitated by NGO partner, United Way of Bengaluru.

Commenting on the installation, Hon. Min. Shri. Eknath Shinde, Urban Development and Public Works said, “We are delighted to dedicate this unique solution to the people of Mumbai and strengthen our efforts in the fight against this pandemic. This solution helps us provide superior diagnostic facilities to COVID-19 patients in a safe, isolated environment keeping social distancing requirements in mind. We would like to thank PNB Housing Finance Ltd, Larsen & Toubro and SNC-Lavalin for supporting this initiative through their CSR efforts and to Wipro GE Healthcare for bringing this unique clinical solution to this country”.

This ‘CT in a Box’ houses Wipro GE Healthcare’s Revolution^TM ACTs Ex, the country’s first ‘Made in India’ CT machine. With just 16 seconds for lung screening, advanced low dose protocols and emergency patient scan mode, this CT is well positioned to serve healthcare professionals and patients with fast and immediate results. The ‘CT in a Box’ is customisable with other GE Healthcare CTs as well.

Shravan Subramanyam, Managing Director, Wipro GE Healthcare, South Asia said, “In line with the Hon. Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, Wipro GE Healthcare is proud to bring to the nation this state-of-the-art clinical solution for COVID-19 management. CT in a Box is an easy to install, safe to use and quick to scan diagnostic solution that will help us serve our community better. I am extremely thankful to our CSR partners for coming together and lending their support during this pandemic.”

RA Rajeev, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA said,“BKC Covid Hospital has proved its worth and has established itself as the best Covid care temporary facility in India. MMRDA feels proud in constructing it in most difficult times and giving it to Mumbai for Covid care. I am happy that MCGM has been running it very efficiently. We are adding Wipro GE’s CT scan facility today under CSR which will be free for Covid patients. I thank the corporate houses – PNB Housing Finance Ltd, Larsen & Toubro and SNC-Lavalin for this gesture.”

Dr Hasit Joshipura, Senior VP & Head – Corporate Centre, L&T, said,“As part of its ongoing country-wide CSR response to Covid-19, L&T is happy to partner with GE Healthcare for the ‘CT in a Box’ initiative. It is our endeavour to proactively help communities, governments, and local administrations in their fight against COVID-19 and we have been providing extensive medical equipment, supplies and support to various healthcare facilities across the country. We hope that this partnership for a walk-in CT scan facility at the BKC COVID-19 hospital will provide timely help to many patients in Mumbai.”

Hardayal Prasad, MD and CEO, PNB Housing Finance said, “Being a responsible and a caring brand, PNB Housing has always placed importance on standing with the nation in times of need, and beyond. Over the years, we have consciously contributed towards strengthening lifesaving infrastructure to enable more people to lead healthier lives. The pandemic has propelled us to collaborate with like-minded organisations to amplify these efforts by enhancing lifesaving infrastructure at BKC. We are truly hopeful that this unique CT Scan solution will aid the citizens and the country in combating the pandemic through quick and safe diagnosis.”

Bharat Gala, Senior Vice President, India, SNC-Lavalin said, “We are extremely honoured to support the installation of CT in a Box in Mumbai and work closely with MMRDA, BMC and Wipro GE Healthcare as a CSR partner in this initiative. The CT in a Box is a great healthcare solution that provides easy and safe access to diagnostic facilities to COVID-19 patients.”

What is CT in a Box’?

‘CT in a Box’ is Wipro GE Healthcare’s turnkey innovative solution providing accelerated access to CT diagnostic solutions in situations requiring increased/isolated CT scans like the COVID-19 pandemic. This AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) approved solution has two parts: 1) A CT machine to diagnose and treat COVID-19 suspected patients; and 2) an insulated box which houses it. This box is specially designed and fabricated with safety features and aids in faster decontamination. The cabin further has separate entry and exit points for staff and patients ensuring almost no physical contact, minimising secondary infection.

 Features of ‘CT in a Box’

This India designed and developed shielded box is made of 4mm thick corrugated steel. The insulated box comes with radiation protection, fire proofing and sound insulation. The box measuring 40ftx11ftx9.5ft also comes with air conditioning, electronic cabling, floor finishing, lights and fixtures. It comes with enhanced safety features and decontamination measures as follows:

• The gantry is remotely operated, thereby isolating the medical staff at the console from the patient
• HEPA filters for air exchange and maintaining air pressure differential which allows for faster space readiness for the next scan
• UV Lights for faster decontamination by killing or inactivating microorganisms
• Lead lining and radiation protection for those in and around the Box
• Airtight doors and sealed glass panel for added safety

Wipro GE Healthcare is also providing real-time online application support using Digital Expert- a comprehensive solution that utilises modern digital technology to provide on-demand application support and training for clinical teams. Technicians working on the CT are also assisted with additional cleaning and disinfection protocols.