HPE deploys cloud-enabled Covid-19 test labs, OPD centres in India

San Jose, California-based information technology (IT) giant Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has set up four cloud-enabled Covid-19 test labs and an equal number of outpatient department (OPD) centres in India. 

The authorised testing facilities and isolation beds have been deployed in New Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow and Dehradun, according to a statement. 

“The deployment of test labs and OPD centres will support the government’s efforts to prevent, detect and respond to Covid-19,” Som Satsangi, managing director for HPE in India, said.

The facilities will use the cloud-managed wireless solution and user experience insight (UXI) sensor from Aruba Networks, which will serve as a virtual network admin onsite and monitor key applications, it said. Aruba is a wireless networking organisation that HPE acquired in 2015 for about $3 billion. 

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In July last year, the company made a commitment to invest $500 million in the country over the next five years. The donation of the test labs and OPD centres are part of that commitment.

The labs will test suspected Covid-19 patients based on the specifications provided by the Ministry of Science and Technology. A government agency, which will run the labs, will be responsible for the installation of testing equipment, deployment of paramedics and technicians, as well as providing broadband connectivity, personal protection equipment (PPEs) and medical supplies, it said.

The OPD centres will have provisions to house six patients for 24-48 hours for observation purposes, the statement added. 

“Cloud-enabled HPE Covid-19 test labs and OPDs will enable authorities to refine their testing process and will significantly reduce the strain on existing healthcare facilities,” Debjani Ghosh, president of industry lobby NASSCOM, said.

To help businesses cope with the Covid-19 crisis, the company last month launched a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and new pre-configured solutions, and enabled flexible financing terms for its products.