Even until January 2020, India was manufacturing practically zero PPE kits. The only thing that was being produced in India was the traditional medical gowns. These gowns were only a single component of the PPE kit. However, there were no PPE coveralls with the seam tapes that were manufactured in India. Among the 2.75 lakh PPE kits that were there in India in January 2020, most of them were actually imported from other parts of the world. In May 2020, India effectively ramped up PPE kits production so that two lakh kits can be produced every single day. India had around 15.96 lakh kits in centre-state buffer stock. Such efforts have really made it possible for the healthcare workers in India to have the support they need in fighting the war against coronavirus and make sure that patients can recover quickly from this ailment.
One of the main reasons as to why India took a proactive approach in coming up with PPE kits in the country is because the kits that were made in China were of very poor quality. There has also been an escalating anti-Chinese sentiment in the minds of the Indian people. Personal protective equipment or PPE kit is essential for every healthcare worker when they are working with patients as this can reduce the chances of infections in them. A PPE kit has got masks, goggles, face shields, coveralls, rubber boots, head covers, gowns and shoe covers that can provide comprehensive protection against coronavirus.
The goal of using PPE kits is to have robust protection for the nose, mouth and eyes from droplets that carry the infectious coronavirus. The best quality PPE kits should protect the skin from this virus completely and have a higher resistance property. It should also be impermeable to all kinds of bodily fluids including blood, mucus, phlegm and saliva. The PPE kits should also maintain their shape at all times and be wearable to ensure proper fit and comfort.
Currently, there are more than 110 different domestic PPE manufacturers that are identified by our government in our country. The logistical challenges to produce the PPE kits are being resolved with every passing day. These include problems with transportation, labour, the availability of raw materials and other matters. This can help in the production of two lakh units of PPE kits along with 10 lakh masks every day in India.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued the guidelines for proper rational use of the PPE kits. Along with this, special instructions are also being issued to govern the use of the raw materials for making PPE kits. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also provided with information regarding everything that is required in diverse settings and situations. The guidelines that have been constructed are based on material availability as well as technical requirements for enhanced protection for healthcare professionals. All PPE kits in India are being made after consulting with the medical experts who are active in the field.
Till May 26th, 2020, the country had nine laboratories that were empowered with the Synthetic Blood Penetration Resistance Test facilities which are essential for the production of the PPE kits. These laboratories also had the necessary approvals needed for carrying out tests as well as the certification for the PPE kits needed to fight COVID-19. The laboratories include Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDO), Gwalior; South India Textiles Research Association (SITRA), Coimbatore; Textiles Committee (TC), Mumbai as well as six laboratories that operate under the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). A Unique Certification Code or UCC-COVID19 is created for every PPE kit. This consists of a record of fabric type, garment type, the date of testing, the testing standard as well as other essential information. The UCC-COVID-19 is administered to prototype the samples that are sent by the respective manufacturers to the labs for proper manufacturing practices.
You may find Nonwoven Fabric manufacturer for medical PPE kits in India.