Ventilators

Types

• ICU ventilator — advanced unit with multiple modes and monitoring for critical care.
• Transport ventilator — compact, battery-backed unit for ambulances and patient movement.
• Neonatal and paediatric ventilator — built for small tidal volumes and infant circuits.
• Non-invasive ventilators (BiPAP and CPAP) — deliver pressure support via a mask rather than a tube.
• Home or basic ventilators — simpler units for long-term use outside ICUs, as directed by clinicians.

What to check before buying

• CDSCO registration or import licence as applicable to the model.
• Ventilation modes and parameter ranges, and whether adult, paediatric and neonatal use is supported.
• Display, alarms and monitoring features, and compatibility with oxygen and compressed air supply.
• Internal battery duration, and need for a UPS and stabiliser.
• Breathing circuits, humidifiers, filters and other consumables, including how long they remain available.
• Installation, biomedical engineer training, warranty, AMC and a GST invoice.

Who buys them

Hospitals, nursing homes, ambulance operators, medical colleges, NGOs and government health facilities.

Frequently asked questions

How many ventilators does a hospital need?

This depends on ICU bed count and case mix, and is decided by clinical staff. Suppliers can advise on the number of units and spares.

Do ventilators need a compressed air supply?

Many ICU models use medical air and oxygen, while some have an internal turbine. Check the gas supply of your facility before choosing.

What after-sales support should I ask for?

Ask for service engineers within your region, a spare parts commitment and operator training. Common brands include Medtronic, Philips, Draeger, Mindray and Hamilton.