SMC Integrated Facility Management Solutions Limited, a 100 per cent subsidiary of SIS Group, has partnered with AIRIA, a US-based pioneer in germicidal ultraviolet (UV) and air filtration technology, to deploy advanced airborne infection prevention control solutions backed by a global healthcare body across the country.
As part of this initiative, over 2,100 UVC-based airborne disinfection systems will be installed across 116 high-risk tuberculosis hospitals in 23 states, covering more than 4,500 beds dedicated to TB, drug-resistant TB (DRT), and multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) patients. The project aligns closely with the Government of India’s National TB Elimination Programme, aimed at curbing airborne transmission within clinical environments.
Tuberculosis continues to be India’s deadliest infectious disease, claiming approximately 2.2 lakh lives annually and impacting over 2.6 million people, the highest TB burden globally. Given the airborne nature of TB, hospitals and clinical environments are among the most vulnerable points of transmission, making effective airborne infection control critical to protecting healthcare Unlike HEPA filters, which are expensive and only trap airborne particles, this deployed UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) solution costs significantly less while actively neutralizing pathogens. During the COVID-19 second wave, when the virus was confirmed to be airborne, this technology successfully stood the test of time by breaking down the DNA structure of pathogens, rendering them harmless. The objective is to create a safe space environment for all healthcare workers, treat the air and arrest transmission.
The collaboration builds on a long-standing professional partnership between Edward D’Souza, CEO, SMC Integrated Facility Management Solutions Limited, and Bill Palmer, CEO, AIRIA, advocating the adoption of cost-efficient airborne infection prevention solutions since 2018. Their joint efforts gained critical momentum during the pandemic, when COVID-19 was confirmed to be airborne. Through this partnership, similar airborne infection prevention control solutions have already been successfully deployed at Doon Medical College, Haldwani Medical College, and Jodhpur Chest Hospital.
Explaining the science behind the solution, Prem Prakash, Senior Vice President – Engineering Solutions, SMC Integrated Facility Management Solutions Limited, said, “Our germicidal UV systems operate at a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers, which is globally validated for air and surface disinfection in healthcare environments. This wavelength ensures maximum pathogen elimination while maintaining stringent safety standards for occupied spaces.”
“This initiative brings the best of American innovation and Indian execution together to tackle one of India’s toughest healthcare challenges,” said Edward D’Souza, CEO, SMC Integrated Facility Management Solutions Limited.
Highlighting the role of technology in reducing airborne disease transmission, Bill Palmer, CEO, AIRIA, said, “Our systems are designed to deliver continuous protection with scientifically proven efficiency, making hospitals safer for both patients and healthcare staff.”