Keeping rural and remote areas in mind, who do not have basic ECG machines, scientists of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre here have developed a credit card sized Tele-ECG machine. This portable, lightweight, pocket friendly, 12-channel device costs just Rs. 4,000 and uses the mobile technology that can transmit ECG over mobile phones.

The Tele-ECG will have a battery inside it and will be chargeable with a mobile phone charger. Also, the accompanying app will ensure real-time sharing of a patient's ECG report with doctors. The time saved will be of critical importance in saving lives.

According to a report by BARC, "The report is generated in form of an image that can be sent to the expert's mobile through Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) or any other file sharing apps. The device is ideally suited for rural health care. In city hospitals, the machine can be operated through Laptop/Desktop and report can be shared on Local Area Network (LAN). ECG report in standard graphical format can be taken on a blank A4 size paper."

The concept of this 12 channel Tele-ECG is not new. The idea was first floated almost three decades ago. However this application was limited to communication between fixed locations equipped with conventional handsets. With the advent of GSM network and then the 3G network the concept received a crucial boost. The ECG image can be shared over any file sharing app, including WhatsApp. For a printed output link any printer for a A4 sized print out.

Having successfully developed the low-cost prototype, BARC has begun issuing licenses to select R&D organisations and automation companies to manufacture and market the product. These firms are now modifying and readying the prototype for commercial launch.