Hyderabad-based IICT technologies cut dialysis cost by 70 per cent in India

Two technologies developed by IICT Hyderabad promise to reduce dialysis costs by 70 per cent and improve water purification. The innovations aim to make life-saving treatment more affordable and reduce India’s dependence on imported medical devices

Hyderabad: The heavy cost incurred for a single dialysis session by patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has now been reduced. Two indigenously developed technologies from Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) are set to disrupt the medical device market by cutting consumable costs by at least 70 per cent, enabling patients easier access to life-saving treatment.

The technologies, which are being transferred for deployment by private dialysis service providers in Hyderabad, include ultra-thin hollow fibres used to manufacture filters in haemodialyzers and a specialised technology to produce ultrapure water, ensuring kidney patients are protected from water-borne contaminants and infections.

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At the heart of any dialysis treatment is the haemodialyzer, which is a filter that acts as an artificial kidney. Traditionally, India has been heavily reliant on expensive imported filters. Using a novel ‘spinneret’ design, Hyderabad scientists have created ultra-thin hollow fibres from polyethersulfone that match global standards.

These filters, which typically cost Rs 700 to Rs 1,000 when imported, can now be produced for as little as Rs 150 to Rs 200. Thousands of these microscopic fibres filter toxins from the blood while retaining essential proteins, a critical requirement for chronic kidney patients who must regularly undergo dialysis.

The second breakthrough technology developed by IICT researchers involves the production of high-purity water, which is required in large quantities for the dialysis process. The CSIR-IICT team has developed specialised Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Nanofiltration (NF) membrane systems to ensure patients are not exposed to water-borne contaminants.

These new units save up to 25 per cent in water and electricity compared to conventional systems. Pilot plants have already been successfully deployed by private dialysis providers in Kamareddy and Marredpally, serving over 20,000 patients to date. The technology allows for water purification at a fraction of the cost, ensuring that even small-scale rural clinics can afford to run high-end dialysis equipment.

The hollow fibre haemodialyzer has achieved a documented 70 per cent reduction in consumable costs by replacing expensive imports. The water purification systems have delivered 25 per cent energy savings while meeting the most stringent Type-1 and Type-2 medical requirements. According to IICT researchers, both technologies directly support the national goal of reducing the country’s 80 per cent import dependency in the medical device sector.