An Ottawa company's device would store dead bodies infected with cholera in portable morgues rather than see them buried in makeshift graves, as pictured, to prevent the spread of the disease. (Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press)

An Ottawa company has developed portable refrigerated morgues it say could stop Haiti's lethal cholera outbreak, but the doctor behind the product can't get it into the country.

Dr. Tarek Sardana worked as a Canadian Forces physician for 16 years and was part of Canada's mission to Haiti in 2004.

He's now president of NOMADiQ Shelter Solutions, which makes solar-powered generators, water purifiers and the ReponStor Body Storage System — self-contained units for storing diseased bodies during outbreaks.

Bodies would stack horizontally in these storage cubes, which are made of aluminum and plastic.

Sardana says he's been trying since the earthquake in January to get the system into Haiti,

"You can't get through the procurement process," he said. "You almost give up because it's so hard to bid."

Care Canada, a major Canadian aid organization, is strengthening its response to the Haitian cholera outbreak, but a spokesperson says it would be difficult to introduce Sardana's morgues to the effort.

A non-governmental organization like Care can only procure a new product if it's been approved by the Canadian and Haitian governments and meets United Nations standards, says Bogdan Dumitru of Care's emergency relief team.

"It's a domain that's relatively well-regulated internationally," Dumitru said. "On top of that, you have to consider also the legislation of the country in which you're conducting your operation."

Such legislation could include months of product testing, Sardana said. He's also had difficulty accessing Canadian government grants that would help his innovation.

"You have to be a Canadian business, that's fine, certain number of employees, that's fine, but revenue of over $2 to $4 million in the previous year … I mean we don't fit that bill," Sardana said. "It's too difficult to do … I'm a physician, I'm not a fundraiser."

NOMADiQ is now trying to find partners based in Haiti who will use its products.