Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives
Ahsan Iqbal, an engineer-turned-politician and the current Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives in the incumbent government, will be the chief guest at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Alsons ICU Ventilator, AVB-100—the first Pakistan-made ventilator.
“The ceremony will be graced by Federal Minister for Development, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, who will officially launch this groundbreaking product by cutting the ribbon. We would be honored to have your esteemed presence at this special event,” reads an Alsons Group press statement.
Alsons Group, a leader in precision engineering and manufacturing in Pakistan, announced last month that its flagship product, the AlnnoVent AVB-100 ICU Ventilator, has successfully received regulatory approval from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
This significant milestone sets the stage for the ventilator’s market release in 2025, positioning Pakistan as an emerging player in the global medical device industry, the company said in a press release.
The AlnnoVent AVB-100 is an advanced electro-mechanical ICU ventilator, meticulously designed, developed, and manufactured by Alsons Group to meet stringent international quality and performance standards. It features a versatile range of functions, including five invasive and two non-invasive ventilation modes, making it adaptable for various critical care situations.
This innovation arose from the urgent need for respiratory devices during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Alsons Group committed to strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
“We take immense pride in the fact that the AlnnoVent AVB-100 is the first electromedical device in Pakistan to successfully navigate the rigorous approval process, including clearance from the National Bioethics Committee (NBC) and DRAP,” said Akbar Allana, Director of Alsons Group.
The development of the ventilator included a comprehensive clinical trial conducted at Jinnah Medical Hospital and Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, under the NBC’s Terms of Reference (ToR). A detailed baseline study, compiled with the support of the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), will serve as a foundation for future research and studies in this area.
Founded in 1953, Alsons Group has built a stellar reputation in precision engineering and technological innovation across industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, lighting, and healthcare. Leveraging this expertise, the company ventured into medical technology, showcasing Pakistan’s potential for cutting-edge technological development.
“We are proud to offer a locally produced solution to meet critical healthcare needs,” Akbar Allana added. “The AlnnoVent embodies our commitment to innovation and demonstrates Pakistan’s capacity to make significant contributions to global healthcare challenges.”
With the approval and upcoming release of the AlnnoVent AVB-100, Alsons Group marks a historic achievement, underscoring Pakistan’s self-reliance and ingenuity in medical technology. This milestone signifies the nation’s growing role in the global healthcare sector. – KARACHI: ER Report