The world is battling COVID-19 with constant innovation in the health sector and bringing awareness among people and keeping them up to date with the latest information. Meanwhile, engineer Madindra Aryal designed respirators with minimal available materials in Nepal to contribute to society during this tough time.
Nepal is witnessing a steady increase in coronavirus cases across the country, and it is becoming difficult for hospitals to manage the sudden surge in the number of patients with a lack of equipment.
This initiative led by Madindra Aryal is now supported by his friend Claire Esteveny, an engineer from Rennes. Talking about Madindra, she said, “He is an electronics engineer and professor, and he is used to developing various connected object projects to meet the needs and requirements of his country because the infrastructures are different from France."
It is not the first time Madindra has come up with innovative solutions to help people of Nepal. In 2015, when an earthquake hit his hometown Kathmandu, he and his family stayed in tents for days without electricity. However, Madindra saw this as an opportunity to do something for people there and built a solar-powered cellphone charger and called this project as Nepal’s Light.
Building a respirator with limited components is not easy. Special equipment is needed for the intensive care of patients. Clarie currently manages to make respirators by hand and minimal parts available in her laboratory. However, she is struggling to gather technical and practical data via the Internet to report back to Mandindra in Nepal.
According to Madindra, the first prototype is very well advanced, as he is able to now work collaboratively with hospitals and waiting for approval. However, to make it available public and ensure it reaches masses, funds are required. Currently, the estimated price of this respirator is €500 each.
Madindra has created a fundraiser on gofundme, where you can contribute to his project and help him build more respirators.
Furthermore, Madindra recently got an opportunity to develop a hand sanitizer tunnel in APF Chobar. The tunnel is fully automated - a person enters inside the tunnel and the sanitizer stops after 4 seconds. Madindra is a currently working on sanitizer projects for various hospitals like KMC Hospital Kathmandu and Gangalal Hospital Kathmandu and also public places.
Madindra created UV sanitizer to help sanitize clothes, masks, globes, and other equipment that are often used in hospitals. Bright young minds like Madindra and Claire inspire youths of Nepal, and people around the world, as we all fight this global pandemic.
Edited by
Ken Briodagh