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COVID-19: C. Java hospital produces protective gear for medical workers amid shortages
Moewardi General Hospital in Surakarta, Central Java, is able to produce 200 to 250 hazmat suits each day to make up for a shortage of protective equipment.
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A medical worker puts on protective equipment during a COVID-19 medical simulation at Pertamina Plaju Hospital in Palembang, South Sumatra, on March 12. (Antara/Feny Selly)
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n response to the shortage of protective health equipment for medical workers treating COVID-19 patients, the Central Java administration has independently produced its own hazmat suits that it will provide to certain medical personnel.
Using spunbonded polypropylene, Moewardi General Hospital in Surakarta, Central Java, is able to produce 200 to 250 hazmat suits each day to make up for the shortage of personal protective equipment.
“The lack of hazmat suits everywhere has resulted in medical personnel in some regions wearing only a raincoat. We try to innovate. The Moewardi hospital has creatively made its own hazmat suit at a more affordable price,” Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said on Monday.
Ganjar suggested that hospitals in Central Java contact the Central Java Health Agency for a hazmat suit.
“Or if any hospitals want to make their own hazmat suits, they can learn from the Moewardi hospital,” he said.
He advised the regional administration not to rely on the central government and to instead be creative in facing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contacted separately, the Moewardi General Hospital chief of services, Bambang SW, said that the hospital launched production of the suits after it faced difficulties in ordering protective suits from factories.
“Now we’re ready to help the other hospitals or we’ll teach them how to make a hazmat suit,” he said.
The suit, Bambang said, cost Rp 50,000 (US$ 3), far below the market price of Rp 150,000.
He gave assurances that the hazmat suits were made under strict standards and safety procedures, with the tailors healthy and adhering to cleanliness protocol. (aly)
