Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking permission to export surplus Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
Permitting PPE manufacturers to export the PPE body coveralls “would also give an impetus to the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan recently launched by Government of India under your leadership,” he said in his letter to the Prime Minister, requesting him to consider giving permission” for the same.
Citing the surplus capacity of production and quality of products manufactured by these units, which started production after obtaining certification from SITRA/DRDO, Captain Amarinder said it appeared that there was not enough domestic demand of PPE at present.
These manufacturers are finding it difficult to obtain orders from HLL, he pointed out, adding that of the 128 approved manufacturers, only 18 units have received orders from the Government of India.
The Chief Minister recalled that on May 21, 2020, the Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister has written to Chief Ministers of all States to consider directing their respective Health Departments to place orders on Punjab’s PPE body coverall manufacturers at HLL rates.
Notably, the 128 approved manufacturers have a cumulative current capacity to manufacture 5,21,050 PPE coveralls every day.
