Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M) on Thursday announced to develop a prototype of an automated version of bag valve mask ventilator, commonly known as Ambu bag, that will cost less than Rs 7,500 and help the government in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

“We are simultaneously working with an indigenous maker of ICU ventilators. These are sophisticated machines costing between 5 to 10 lakhs. This device is an interim lifesaver & the team estimates it will cost below ₹7,500,” Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said in a tweet.

Fight against the virus in India, Mahindra’s Kandivali & Igatpuri teams who confined themselves to the factories & without sleep produced these prototype designs in 48hrs. Ananda Mahindra tweeted a video that was made by the engineers showcasing the prototype.

Pawan Goenka, managing director, M&M, said in a tweet the company has also working with two large public sector undertakings (PSUs) to work with a manufacturer of ventilators to help simplify design and scale-up production.

“At other end we are working on an automated version of the Bag Valve Mask ventilator (commonly known as Ambu bag). We hope to have a Proto ready in 3 days for approval. Once proven this design will be made available to all for manufacturing,” he added.

Mahindra & Mahindra group had earlier offered setting up of Club Mahindra Holidays’ resorts as temporary care facilities and the Mahindra Group’s project team stands all prepared to assist the government/army in setting up the temporary care facilities as coronavirus cases are expected to surge in the country.