Karnataka orders 3 lakh PPE kits for healthcare workers
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Saturday ordered 2 lakh Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits from DHB Global and 1 lakh from other major pharmaceuticals, for the healthcare warriors treating coronavirus patients.
According to the State Health Department, these PPEs have 10 components as per global standards like a face mask to prevent healthcare professional from any liquid sprays, goggles for additional safety, N95 masks for protection of nasal and mouth areas, surgical masks, nitrile gloves, coverall suit, shoe cover, waste disposable bag, plastic apron, and protective gear.
Each of the products should have the relevant certificate from the Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) or equivalent certification.
Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research has approved 16 laboratories, comprising 11 government and five private laboratories in Karnataka, for testing the samples of COVID-19 suspected cases, the state government said on Saturday.
Meetings and negotiations were held with some private laboratories for conducting COVID-19 sample testing, additional chief secretary (health and family welfare) Jawaid Akhtar said in a circular.
"Based on the negotiations, the cost per test has been fixed at Rs 2,250," the circular read.
These private labs have to abide by the conditions laid down by the state and union governments, it added.