Tech-Driven Healthcare: My Eye-Opening Visit to the Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital

December 2022 was my first, unforgettable visit to the Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Research Center (SRH), which was the newest addition to the sprawling complex of the SRMD Ashram in Dharampur, Gujarat. It was a grand 250-bed hospital providing free healthcare to the villagers of the rural region in India. I was amazed at the ultra-modern new hospital, especially contrasting the ramshackle villages surrounding the hill. This awe continued to build as I got the chance to visit the Ashram for a youth retreat.

The Global Youth Festival was a celebration of youth, and an opportunity to go deeper within oneself. Thousands of Indian teenagers and young-adults attended the 3-day festival at the Ashram. I met many like-minded youths from around the world, volunteering to rebuild village centers, playing sports leagues, and innovating climate solutions. One such activity involved touring SRH. I was elated, and immediately signed up!

We were transported to the tour in a typical Indian fashion: dozens of youth crowded into a procession of trucks. The route to the hospital passed several winding dirt roads, eventually opening into a grand garden. To my surprise, it was filled with playsets for children! We were later told that it was for the rehabilitation of disabled and injured kids. Every aspect of the complex was developed with the benefit of the needy in mind!

The hospital tour, led by Dr. Mansiji, covered a wide variety of departments. As we moved through the hospital, I was struck by the meticulous care and attention to detail put into every aspect of the facility. The use of modern technology was particularly impressive, not just for its innovation, but for helping in the enhancement of patient comfort and recovery .

Advanced Bed Technology

In general wards, the beds were simple yet technologically sophisticated and upgraded. Unlike in Dubai, it is extremely rare to have beds equipped with such advanced technology in rural India. They were equipped with features allowing the adjustment of mattress firmness and the angle of the backrest. This was crucial to patients with various injuries and needs. For instance, those with tailbone, thigh, or leg injuries benefited greatly from the consistent support to injured areas. The hospital’s provision of this comfort inspired me to ponder the possibility of further  aiding patients’ suffering. Technological materials, like those that effectively absorb and evenly disperse one’s weight, would certainly help patients have a healthier recovery.

Specialized Rehabilitation for Children

One of the most heartwarming sections of the hospital was the children’s ward. Here, the dedicated rehabilitation center provides special-needs children with ample resources to improve their physical ability. As I entered, I was pleasantly surprised by the walls, which were completely painted with colorful scenes of greenery and animals. This created a vibrant and upbeat atmosphere, such that children did not feel they were in a hospital. This initial awe of the section spiraled as I saw the rehabilitation center. Here, technology and creativity merged to create a playful and therapeutic environment. A cohort of happy children were using rehab devices designed as playground equipment: swings for balance, a ball pit for walking strength, a zipline, and even a pool for water rehabilitation. The embedding of tech through ingenious designs ensured that children easily regained strength and mobility. I was excited at the limitless opportunities to contribute to this effort: smartly designed toys could provide effective rehabilitation to children while making their hospital stays a positive experience. Ideas like a zipline or squishy ball for improving grip strength whirled through my head as I witnessed the blur of smiles on the faces of patients.

Identifying Tech Gaps

During the tour, I spoke with Dr. Neha to explore some of the hospital’s technological gaps. She mentioned a concern that patients who had to sit for long periods of time experienced discomfort. The significance of this issue was amplified by the fact that hundreds of elderly mumukshus live alone in the Ashram, and may need assistance if they were to fall at home. To solve this, Dr. Neha suggested an alarm system (similar to the UK's telecare system), where an emergency button allows one to quickly access medical help. I was intrigued by the many innovative design variations for such a system. For instance, the button could be embedded into a pendant to be near the users at all times.

Another area of need was for patients suffering from neck and shoulder pain. I realised that technology in the form of motorized lap tables - with features allowing for the adjustment of height and angle - could significantly help patients. I had already noticed a few such tables at the hospital, but these were large and slow. Instead, there was potential to develop more compact and affordable tables for patients who need to work on laptops or read without straining their necks and backs.

My Reflections

Reflecting on my visit, I am filled with excitement about the potential technological advancements that can be implemented at SRH. These would improve rural healthcare services and benefit remote and underserved regions of India. During the hospital tour,  I witnessed the positive impact of technology on all kinds of patients. I was greatly inspired by the unique provisions at SRH, from adjustable seating, and rehab equipment, to telecare systems and motorised furniture! My personal experience at SRH was an eye-opener, demonstrating both the potential of technology and the remaining needs of patients. I hope that the reader is equally thrilled about the success of the hospital, and the possibility to bridge healthcare gaps with tech. I, for one, cannot wait to push the boundaries of medical tech with engineering!

As I reflect on my visit, I am filled with excitement about the potential for technological advancements in healthcare, particularly in such remote and underserved areas. The hospital tour demonstrated the significant impact that the thoughtful integration of technology had on patients. In each example I witnessed the unique needs of patients, that required further development and upgradation to improve patient care more! My experience at SRH was an eye-opener, highlighting a future where tech bridges the gaps in healthcare. From adjustable seating to innovative rehabilitation equipment, from potential telecare systems to motorized furniture, engineering could push the boundaries of what's possible in medical technology!