In the second wave of the pandemic, the quality of PPE kits provided to COVID-19 warriors is a big issue especially as the unorganised sector is now also involved in the manufacturing of the same.
Also, the comfort level of wearing a PPE gown for long hours has raised many concerns. The normal PPE is made of non-woven fabric, which in hot environments, especially in countries like India, is very uncomfortable to wear.
Recently, the CISF (Central industrial Security Force) achieved a milestone by making microbial preventive suits, similar in purpose as PPE, but which are quite comfortable and also reusable, and hence very cost effective.
The microbial preventive suit is made of high-quality woven cloth, and contains no cotton to ensure the suit is not heavy. According to CISF, the suit is easily sanitised with soap water, so that the novel coronavirus is destroyed immediately.
RAF Chief Commandant Erick Gilbert Jose of the 97 battalion, Rapid Action Force says “This is second generation of PPE kit and gives fool-proof protection to the wearer. The suite is of three pieces, top, bottom and shoe covers. This woven fabric used can prevent penetration of any fluid, including virus, even at high pressure. Being water resistant, it dries up very quickly after washing.”
The suits have been already introduced to the Tamil Nadu Health Department, and have been certified by the South India Textile Research Association.
Considering that quality, comfort, cost in protective gear is the need of the hour, the microbial preventive suits should be mandatory in all healthcare operations.
