Slew of Non-Pharma Firms Making Medical Essentials
Amid COVID-19 outbreak, the government is allowing Indian manufacturers, even those from non-medical manufacturing background to make and supply essentials including the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), masks, sanitizers and other associated items.
Due to the surge in demand, Union Ministry of Textile is giving certifications in a single day to such samples manufactured by companies either directly or through the designated bio-pharmaceutical companies, says Dr. Alok Roy, Chairman-FICCI Health Services Committee and Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals.
As per the ministry’s instructions, the companies are putting a unique certification code called UCC-Covid-19 and a tamper-proof sticker specifying details of the manufacturer.
States like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the major contributors who are manufacturing PPE’s, N95 masks, sanitizers and supplying it across India.
Dr Roy said, “It is not only restricted to the bio-pharmaceutical companies to manufacture these items.” Therefore, consumer lifestyle brands like Detel with its Sub-brand DetelPro have forayed into PPE segment. There are more companies like Detel who have expanded their arms into essential healthcare products like Mallcom, SamcoCare+, Pee Safe and more.
In their PPE Kits, DetelPro is including Gloves, Shoe Covers, Masks, Goggles and Gowns at an affordable price. They are planning to add more relevant products to augment it’s health and hygiene portfolio.
“Detel will be allocating their resources to the healthcare portfolio, said Yogesh Bhatia, Founder & CEO, Detel. “Our team of developers is fully engaged, uncovering solutions to address critical protective needs for those fighting on the front lines of this pandemic,” he added.
Vikas Bagaria, Founder of Pee Safe said, “Many of the hospitals and healthcare providers have been using our products.” “During the first few days, we struggled with ensuring that our products reach people and healthcare professionals,” he added.
“Though China is willing to export the essential healthcare products but for a longer run, we need to boost our manufacturing segment,” said Dr Roy of FICCI.
