Covid-19 Impact on PPE in the Healthcare Industry
The outbreak of COVID-19 is having a huge impact on the healthcare industry majorly the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). PPE includes gloves, mask, gown, goggles, N95 respirators, and hand sanitizer. Currently, it is the only preventive measure for the healthcare professional to prevent themselves from the spread of corona virus. Many countries are involved in manufacturing of PPE products. Among which, China is the largest producer. According to the UNICEF, China produces approximately 50% of global surgical masks. Other countries include Taiwan which produces around 20% of global supply of face masks alone followed by India, Mexico, U.S., Japan, Malaysia, Korea, European countries, and others.
IMPACT ON DEMAND Rising number of cases of corona virus is increasing the demand of PPE across the globe. According to the UNICEF, the demand for PPE products has surged 1000-2000 fold. Earlier in 2017-2019, the annual demand for coveralls and gowns by low and middle-income countries sourced by UNICEF did not exceed 50,000 units. However, the current demand for three months of these products is around 25 million. Similarly, for different types of facemasks, earlier the annual average procurement sourced by UNICEF was not more than 25000 units but now it has exceeded 55 million due to this target disease. Furthermore, according to the WHO, there is a need of around 89 million masks for the COVID-19 response every month. While for gloves, the demand goes up to 76 million and for googles, it is around 1.6 million every month. Moreover, the rising demand for N-95 masks has impacted the manufacturing of other PPE products. Companies have shifted their focus towards gloves and masks and have stopped manufacturing other products such as chemical resistant gloves, welding helmets, and industrial safety glasses.
