Adarsh to manufacture 10,000 face shields for WA's doctors

Malaga-based Adarsh Australia has been awarded a government contract to produce up to 10,000 face shields for Western Australia’s surgeons and ENT specialists, boosting the state’s supply of critical protective medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Production of the masks began on Saturday, with the design overseen by a team of biomedical engineers at the Centre for Implant Technology and Retrieval Analysis, located at Royal Perth Hospital.

The centre, which produces bespoke implants and other medical devices for use in WA’s hospitals, partnered with researchers from the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and The University of Western Australia, as well as chief scientist Peter Klinken, to develop the equipment.

Adarsh Australia director Faz Pollard told Business News that Professor Klinken played a pivotal role in designing the masks, calling him an asset to the state.

Adarsh will manufacture the masks, which have already been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

According to Health Minister Roger Cook, production of the masks will be partially funded through $65,000 of private donations made to the Harry Perkins Institute.

Over the weekend, Mr Cook called the news an example of the innovative work taking place across WA’s health system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The production of these shields will enhance the safety of WA health staff and patients and highlights the resourcefulness of Western Australians in times of need,” Mr Cook said.

“What is especially great about this project is that it is not only ensuring our hospital staff have access to protective equipment that we know is of the highest safety standard but that it is also locally produced.

“CITRA is the only hospital-based facility of its kind in Australia and we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful resource in WA.”

News of CITRA producing face-shields comes one month after Andrew and Nicola Forrest committed $160 million to purchasing PPE for WA’s doctors through The Minderoo Foundation.

That purchase included 1 million N95 equivalent face masks and 400,000 surgical masks.