Table 7.
Technological initiatives initiated in response to COVID-19 (pre-COVID-19 peak).
| Category | Advance | Description | Type* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testing | Indigenous testing kits | Testing kits at one-fourth the cost of imported kits with results in 2–3 hours Rapid antibody kits were designed The world's most affordable testing kit (to date) at a base price of USD 8 was developed [54] | Significant |
| Immunodiagnostic kits | Efforts were initiated since they can also detect asymptomatic cases | Significant | |
| Tracing | Manual process | Contact tracing through in-depth interviews | Minimal |
| Drones used for surveillance and public announcements | Monitoring whether areas in a city were following social distancing via an aerial view | Medium | |
| Aarogya Setu App | Real-time data update powered by Bluetooth technology and artificial intelligence Risk-assessment, contract tracing for individuals | Significant | |
| Treating | Vaccine | Launched phase II human trials | Significant |
| Thermal screening | Temperature checks during international and interstate travel | Minimal | |
| Selected drugs | Existing preventive drugs approved for emergency use | Medium | |
| Convalescent plasma therapy | Blood transfusion from recovered patients | Medium | |
| Tele-health | Online applications designed | Medium | |
| Laboratory-manufactured alcohol sanitisers | Manufactured as per WHO guidelines | Significant | |
| PPE, ventilators | Designed at a reduced cost. PPE could be taken off without touching the outer surface | Significant | |
| Disinfectant tunnel | To disinfect people when they walk through it | Significant | |
⁎
Significant: an innovation; Medium: successful use of an existing technology or therapy; Minimal: manual intervention for results [39].