Medical Technology and Transfer Service (MTTS)

Medical Technology and Transfer Service (MTTS) is a social enterprise that designs, manufactures and sells the LifeKit, a comprehensive suite of locally appropriate, high-quality medical devices to treat the most common causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity in low-resource countries. Some 75% of neonatal deaths are preventable through the LifeKit suite of products, which includes: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines for respiratory distress syndrome; radiant warmers for hypothermia; and phototherapy devices for jaundice. The LifeKit products are highly cost competitive. Compared to devices manufactured for more developed countries that are priced between $8,000 and $10,000, LifeKit products are sold for $1,000-$3,000.

To make products cost competitive while ensuring a long lifetime, MTTS uses materials easily sourced in the targeted low-resource countries. Furthermore, MTTS makes design choices that reduce the need for spare parts requiring periodic replacements, thereby eliminating recurring costs for hospitals. A key element of the LifeKit design philosophy is to identify and eliminate the most common sources of product failures in low-resource hospitals stemming from regular power fluctuations, lack of maintenance and inexperienced staff. For instance, Firefly, its phototherapy device, has eliminated typical internal moving parts, including fans and adjustable components that can be easily broken.

A key element of MTTS’s success is its three channels of distribution: commercial distribution through traditional sales channels and local distributors; contracts with government hospitals and international healthcare organizations; in select situations through MTTS's non-profit initiative, Day One, and other non-profit partners.

More than 750,000 babies have been treated directly with LifeKit devices and 1.3 million have benefited through the supportive services offered along with the devices. Over 3,000 devices have been installed in 390 hospitals across 35 countries worldwide. The MTTS Firefly, introduced to the market in 2014, has now become its flagship product, with over 900 units sold. In addition to focusing on Firefly's expansion, MTTS recently added its next generation Dolphin CPAP, Colibri Phototherapy and Wallaby Warmer machines to the LifeKit suite.