Maruti Suzuki and the Noida based AqVa Healthcare will jointly produce these equipments in view of the fight against COVID-19
Maruti Suzuki India Limited has entered into an alliance with AqVa Healthcare of Noida for the production of ventilators, masks and other protective equipment. This has been done to be in readiness to fight against the deadly corona virus that has taken over the world.
AqVa Healthcare is an approved manufacturer of ventilators and the company will work along with Maruti Suzuki to speed up production of ventilators with a target of around 10,000 units per month.
While the knowhow in terms of technology, performance and other related matters will be provided by AqVa Healthcare, Maruti Suzuki would be responsible for the supply of components via its suppliers and will also take care of quality assurance. The country’s largest automaker will also be financing the project and will obtain all permissions and approvals required so as to enhance production.
The 3 ply masks to be used against this deadly virus will be produced by Krishna Maruti Limited, a joint venture of Maruti Suzuki. These masks will be supplied to the Haryana and Central Governments and production is set to commence once approvals are received. Through his own contributions, Mr Ashok Kapur will provide around 2 million masks free of cost.
For protective clothing, Maruti Suzuki has entered into a joint venture with Bharat Seats Limited with the Relan family. These will be manufactured to provide protection to safety and health workers
Each of these manufacturing processes will also ensure that at the same time they do everything in their power to protect the safety and health of the workers according to the stringent principals as have been laid down Government of India.
Another automaker also undertaking the fight against coronavirus is the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India, Hyundai Motor India Foundation. They have announced immediate order of advanced diagnostic testing kits from South Korea. These advanced kits have a higher level of accuracy and will help over 25,000 people. The kits will be distributed to hospitals in affected areas after due consultation with Central and State Governments.
Other automakers such as Mahindra and TVS have also joined in the fight against coronavirus in making critical medical equipment. Mahindra is working on a ventilator which may cost Rs.7,500 as against more expensive and sophisticated machines which cost between Rs.5-10 lakhs and the prototype for approval could be ready soon. TVS Motors and Sundaram Clayton will be spending around Rs.30 crores to fight the coronavirus outbreak and will be making 1 million face masks and will also collaborate with firms to make ventilators.
