DTMT Network
Reacting to reports which questioned the quality of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) coveralls used by healthcare workers, the Indian Health Ministry has said that the government is ensuring quality of PPEs through stringent protocols.

“There are some reports in a section of the media expressing concern about the quality of PPE coveralls. The products under reference have no relevance to the procurement being made by the Central Government,” said the ministry in a press release.

The ministry informed that HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL), the procuring agency of the health ministry, is procuring PPE coveralls from manufacturers/suppliers only after getting their coveralls tested and approved by one of the eight labs nominated by the Ministry of Textiles for testing the same.

“It is only after their products qualify in the test prescribed by the technical committee (JMG) of health ministry, that they are procured,” said the ministry.

The ministry added that HLL is also undertaking random sampling of the supplies being made, for which a testing protocol has been devised. In case of any failure, the company is being disqualified for any supplies.

“All the states/UTs have been directed to ensure procurement which is being carried out at their level after following the prescribed testing for PPEs from MoT nominated labs,” said the ministry.

According to the government, India has significantly ramped up its domestic production capacity of PPEs and N95 masks, and the requirements of the States/UTs are being sufficiently met.

Presently, India is producing more than 3 lakh PPEs and N95 masks per day. States/UTs as well as Central Institutions have been provided with around 111.08 lakh N-95 masks and around 74.48 lakh Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).