A team of three B Tech (Computer Engineering) students of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Indore, has developed a healthcare device, ‘Sehat Sathi: A Smart and Automated Medication Dispenser’, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), DST-Centre for Policy Research at Punjab University, and the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology.

The team of students developed the idea through their personal experiences and observations, identifying the growing issue of medical non-compliance among the elderly, at times even leading to severe cases of hospitalisation and emergency attention. The students wanted to provide a solution to this problem prevailing in the society. After extensive research and brainstorming, they developed the idea behind ‘Sehat Sathi, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a cost-effective manner.

The innovative Sehat Sathi is a smart medical dispenser with compartments for each day of the week, equipped with an IR sensor. It can be operated through a mobile application. The device solves the problem of medical non-compliance through real-time tracking technology that tracks whether medications have been taken on time. If the patients miss their medication, the device communicates via the mobile application, which in turn sends a notification to users asking them to take their medication. Furthermore, Sehat Sathi provides remote monitoring for caregivers, making it a valuable tool for improving medication adherence and patient outcomes. 

The team has presented a functional prototype of their device to international delegates and prospective investors at the ‘International Conference on Industry-Focused Research’ receiving encouragement and appreciation from the attendees. They even got an opportunity to sign an exclusive agreement that will make ‘Sehat Sathi’ available for everyone to use.