In conversation with Harjiv Singh, Board Member of GlobalPPEMart

• There is a huge spike in the number of active COIVD-19 cases. Moreover, 3 new COVID variants have been detected in India. In such circumstances, what role does the availability of PPE gears, masks, etc play in controlling this surge?

In 2020, PPE and mask shortages were a major challenge during the peak of the pandemic. With the Covid-19 cases surging and lack of PPE for frontline and healthcare workers, it was impossible to control the pandemic during the first wave. With such exponential growth in the number of cases during the second wave, it is important to ensure that PPE gears and masks are readily available for the masses and more importantly, for the healthcare and frontline workers. Wearing masks, PPE, whenever necessary, and adhering to social distancing guidelines are of utmost importance to control the surge of Covid-19.

• How can Indian hospitals better prepare to have a steady supply of preventive gear for the safety of healthcare and frontline workers?

Medical supply chains are essential to ensure a steady supply of preventive gear for healthcare and frontline workers. Indian hospitals need to order preventive gear in bulk to ensure there is no shortage. GlobalPPEMart.com, our online B2B platform, was created with the very objective to connect buyers like hospitals to manufacturers of PPE so they can purchase large orders and avoid any shortage.

• Also, the vaccine drive has encouraged many people to get vaccinated. However, there is a lingering fear in several others regarding the after-effects of the vaccine. How can India overcome such apprehensions?

A strong communications campaign in local languages, with credible spokespeople, is the best way to ensure vaccine compliance. The Prime Minister has been very vocal regarding how essential it is to get vaccinated. To accelerate the vaccine drive, each state should create a campaign using well-recognized local doctors, celebrities, and politicians to ensure the science behind the vaccine is not misrepresented or misunderstood by citizens.

• India is the second-largest PPE manufacturing hub in the world, but now the US has also stepped in and is actively promoting ‘America-Made’ medical equipment and gears. How can Indian manufacturers prepare for global competition?

Since the start of the pandemic, several countries, including the US, which initially relied extensively on Chinese and Asian manufactured PPE, began to boost indigenous PPE production. Therefore, Indian PPE manufacturers must focus on quality to effectively compete in the global markets and manufacture as per global standards at competitive prices. Increased public spending on R&D will play a crucial role. As demand escalates, a greater focus on innovation and quality can transform India into a global hub for PPE and help us navigate our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic.