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Rwandan companies turn to production of PPEs amid COVID-19 crisis
More than 30 companies have been approved by the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority to turn their facilities into production of personal protective equipment after thorough assessment. CNBC Africa's Fiona Muthoni had a conversation with Alex Gisagara, Head of Food and Drugs Inspection and Safety Monitoring Department at the Food and Drug Authority on standards and pricing policy.
Mon, 04 May 2020 10:20:42 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- The surge in demand for PPE amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted over 30 Rwandan companies to transition their operations towards PPE production, following approval from the Food and Drug Authority.
- Stricter guidelines and standards have been put in place to regulate the manufacturing and importation of PPE, covering essential products such as face masks, hand sanitizers, and protective gear.
- The government is closely monitoring prices of PPE products to prevent price gouging, while also providing incentives to support local manufacturers and ensure a stable supply of essential medical supplies.
In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Rwanda has seen a surge in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). More than 30 companies have been authorized by the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority to pivot their operations towards the production of PPE after undergoing rigorous assessments. This move comes in light of the increasing need for these essential products to combat the spread of the virus. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Alex Gisagara, Head of Food and Drugs Inspection and Safety Monitoring Department at the Food and Drug Authority, shed light on the standards and pricing policies being implemented in the country. Gisagara highlighted the importance of setting guidelines and standards for manufacturers and importers of PPE to ensure the quality and efficacy of these products. He emphasized the need to align with international standards and adapt to the evolving requirements in the midst of the pandemic. The categories of PPE covered in the guidelines include face masks, hand sanitizers, face shields, coveralls, and shoe covers. The guidelines aim to provide a framework for both existing and new players in the market to meet the growing demand for PPE. Gisagara noted that the demand for PPE has significantly risen with the outbreak of COVID-19, leading to a notable increase in the number of companies venturing into PPE production in Rwanda. He mentioned that there are currently 36 approved manufacturers for medical masks, 10 for hand sanitizers, and several others in the pipeline for coveralls and shoe covers. Additionally, efforts are being made to develop ventilators locally to address the shortage of these critical medical devices. However, Gisagara also highlighted the consequences for companies that fail to adhere to the set guidelines and standards. He mentioned a case where a company was shut down for producing substandard hand sanitizers that did not meet the required specifications. Companies are expected to comply with the regulations to ensure the safety and efficacy of the products they bring to market. Regarding pricing policies, Gisagara explained that while there isn't a formal pricing policy in place, the government closely monitors prices to prevent unjustified hikes. Importers are required to adhere to the pricing guidelines set by the government to avoid price gouging during the crisis. The government has also provided incentives and exemptions to mitigate any inflationary pressures on the prices of PPE products. Gisagara emphasized the importance of having homegrown solutions to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. He highlighted the impact of local production on the economy and the availability of essential supplies for the population. By encouraging domestic production, Rwanda aims to enhance its self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported goods. This shift towards local manufacturing not only ensures a stable supply chain but also supports the economy by creating job opportunities and fostering economic growth. In conclusion, Rwanda's proactive approach to ramping up PPE production reflects its commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting domestic industries in the face of the global health crisis.
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