DSIR-CRTDH on Affordable Healthcare at IIT Kharagpur enters sustainable phase, strengthens lab-to-market translation and last-mile healthcare delivery

The Sustainable Phase of the Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH) on Affordable Healthcare at IIT Kharagpur was inaugurated by Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR and DG, CSIR. Established in 2019 under the CRTDH Scheme of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, the Hub has transitioned from its initial grant-supported phase to a self-sustaining national facility. It operates through user fees, industry sponsorships, and translational partnerships to support MSMEs, startups, and innovators in medical technology. Operating from a 5,000-square-foot facility, the Hub has facilitated over 20 technology transfers and trained rural health workers to take affordable diagnostic technologies to underserved communities like the Sundarbans and Birbhum.