AIIMS Raipur Nurse Develops Patented HOAC Combo Device to Prevent Airborne Infections. In a remarkable breakthrough in the field of medical innovation, Arokiaraj U, a Senior Nursing Officer at AIIMS Raipur, has successfully developed a patented respiratory support device aimed at curbing the spread of airborne infections.
The invention, known as the Highly Oxygenated Aerosol Controlled (HOAC) Combo, has earned recognition from the Indian Patent Office and stands as a promising solution in enhancing healthcare safety standards across India and beyond.
What is the HOAC Combo Device?
The HOAC Combo is a closed-system respiratory support unit specifically designed to minimize the risk of airborne infections during various respiratory interventions. This includes procedures such as:
Nebulisation
- Sputum sample collection
- Incentive spirometry
- Low-flow oxygen therapy
By enclosing the process in a controlled environment, the HOAC Combo significantly reduces the chances of aerosol dispersion, thereby protecting both healthcare professionals and patients from infection transmission. This is especially critical in clinical settings where respiratory illnesses such as tuberculosis (TB) or COVID-19 pose serious threats.
Patent Recognition and Innovation Acknowledgement
The Indian Patent Office in New Delhi granted a utility patent for the HOAC Combo, officially recognizing it as a unique and functional innovation. This milestone highlights the growing contribution of Indian healthcare workers—not only in frontline service delivery—but also in technological advancement and medical research.
The device is currently in the prototype development phase, with further efforts directed towards clinical validation and pilot testing. Once tested and approved, the HOAC Combo is expected to be rolled out for large-scale implementation in hospitals and healthcare centres across India and potentially across the world.
Showcased at the India Innovation Summit 2025
Arokiaraj U’s pioneering invention was proudly presented at the India Innovation Summit 2025, held at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi on March 18–19. This national event was organised by the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), bringing together innovators, scientists, and policymakers to showcase cutting-edge healthcare technologies.
The HOAC Combo inclusion in this prestigious platform not only affirms its technical viability, but also amplifies its potential for impacting public health positively.
Recognized by National Leadership and Innovation Platforms
In addition to the patent and summit presentation, the HOAC Combo has been published on the ATLAS of Innovation, a dedicated research platform that encourages the development of technologies aligned with India’s TB elimination goals. The platform highlights inventions that support public health improvements, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Furthermore, Lt. Gen. Ashok Jindal (Retd), Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Raipur, extended heartfelt congratulations to Arokiaraj, acknowledging this development as a landmark moment for the institute. In appreciation of his significant contribution, AIIMS Raipur has nominated Arokiaraj for the National Florence Nightingale Award and the National Science Award 2025.
Beacon of Nursing Excellence and Innovation
Arokiaraj U’s journey from being a Senior Nursing Officer in the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) to becoming a patent-holding innovator is both inspirational and instructive. He credited the Medical Superintendent, the CTVS Department, and the AIIMS administration for their unwavering support and guidance throughout the development process.
His invention not only showcases the role of nurses as innovators but also underlines the critical importance of encouraging grassroots innovation within India’s healthcare system.
Future Prospects of the HOAC Combo
The road ahead for the HOAC Combo is both promising and challenging. With a functional prototype already in place, the focus now shifts to:
- Securing government and private sector funding
- Conducting comprehensive clinical trials
- Meeting regulatory standards
- Scaling production for nationwide and global distribution
If successful, this innovation could revolutionize infection control protocols in Indian hospitals, especially in under-resourced regions where exposure to airborne diseases is rampant.
Conclusion
The development of the HOAC Combo by AIIMS Raipur nurse Arokiaraj U is a proud testament to India’s growing presence in the global healthcare innovation ecosystem. As the country continues to battle both communicable and non-communicable diseases, the need for affordable, scalable, and efficient medical technologies has never been greater.