A Japanese medical gear manufacturer stated it has been approached by Japan’s government to mass-produce its animal ventilators to treat people recognized with the new coronavirus, and that other nations have additionally expressed interest.
Metran Co-Chief Executive Kazufuku Nitta stated the approach was made late last month and that the U.S., Britain and India are amongst over 30 nations the corporate is talking to.
Ventilators, which help sufferers struggling to breathe, are in short supply in many nations hardest struck by COVID-19, the pneumonia-like illness caused by the coronavirus.
In the U.S., medical equipment manufacturers stated they would simplify ventilator designs and push different work apart to increase manufacturing, while auto manufacturers are making the devices. Elsewhere, Swiss producer Hamilton Medical AG said Britain faces a “huge shortage” of ventilators.
Privately held Metran also makes ventilators for people; however, Nitta stated its veterinary gadgets are simpler and so is a tenth of the cost to build and easier to operate.
The number of new coronavirus cases continues to spike in Japan, stoking concern about pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
