Ayala’s IMI to produce ventilators, health app

Ayala Corporation’s electronics manufacturing, healthcare, and telecom arms have come up with new innovations to bolster the country's health system as it combats the COVID-19 pandemic.

These innovations include an FDA-approved, lower-cost breathing aid device from Integrated Micro- Electronics, Inc. (IMI) for COVID-19 patients; and an all-inone health app from Globe Telecom and AC Health that will help decongest healthcare facilities.

“Healthcare is one of the many sectors that has been disrupted by this global crisis. However, I believe that many of the problems caused by COVID-19 can be addressed by technological innovations,” said Ayala Corporation President and AC Health Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

He added that, “The Ayala Group is determined to meet this challenge by leveraging the talents of our own engineers and medical experts, and by pioneering digital solutions. We are committed to invest in healthcare to contribute to the nation’s fight against COVID-19.”

Last August 4, IMI secured FDA approval to locally produce the UCL Ventura Flow Generator, a lower-cost, non-invasive ventilation system specifically designed to aid COVID-19 patients with breathing difficulties.

Based on an existing offpatent continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system, the design has been modified to optimize oxygen consumption. It is designed to reduce the spread of aerosols, helping keep healthcare workers safe from infection.

The UCL Ventura Flow Generator is an alternative and preventative system used to avoid the need for an intubated ventilator treatment.