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STEAM-BASED STERILIZATION OF DENTAL TOOLS FOR
REMOTE AREAS

Researchers at IIT Madras have developed a steam-based sterilization system for dental instruments so that
medical camps can be held in rural and isolated locations. This solar-thermal steam-based sterilization system for
dental instruments have been developed to aid in the operation of medical campuses in outlying and rural
locations where water and electricity availability may be problematic. Renewable energy-based stations (such as
solar energy) strategically positioned in rural locations provide power, steam, and other uses for the portable
steam cylinders for this project. In order to efficiently sanitize the
instruments using such transportable steam storage, the team additionally created unique sterilization cham-
bers. The following are some benefits of the technology created by IIT Madras: .
- A small, lightweight steam storage tank designed for sanitizing
dental equipment in isolated locations
- A vacuum-assisted multi-layer insulation system is integrated
to maintain useful heat for over seven hours.
- An exothermic capsule integration system will improve the
steam storage cylinder's efficiency.
- Helps collect waste steam and repurpose it for possible uses in
healthcare, agriculture, etc.
- Does not require the usage of an external heating source.

INDIA'S EFFORTS FOR MANAGING TB HAILED IN
WHO'S GLOBAL TB REPORT 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized cases were
India's accomplishments in its Global TB Report declared,
2023, stating that since 2015, the country has success- surpassing the
fully decreased the incidence of tuberculosis by 16 per pre-COVID levels,
cent and the mortality rate from it by 18 per cent. The marking the high-
report stated that India has reversed the impact of est-ever notifica-
COVID-19 on the TB program and achieved enor- tion of cases in
mous strides in increasing case detection. It also India due to
added that the country's mortality rate from the increased case
disease has decreased by 18 per cent during the same detection tactics.
time period. Over fifty meetings were held between The government's
the health ministry and the technical teams of WHO major initiatives,
after this. The team from the ministry presented all like the decentralization of screening services
newly generated evidence at the meetings, including through Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness
data from the Ni-kshay portal, which records each TB Centers, the scaling up of molecular diagnostics to
patient's lifecycle as well as the in- country mathematical block levels, specialized active case-finding drives,
modelling established. and private sector engagement, have resulted in a
The research states that in 2022, over 24.22 lakh TB significant gap in missing cases.

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