High-quality face masks have been developed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Mumbai which is affiliated to the Department of Atomic Energy. The mask was developed using HEPA filters and is expected to be cost-effective also.
This was stated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh while citing some major achievements of the department during last one year.
Pertinent to mention that the Department of Atomic Energy has about 30 units which include R&D, academic institutions, aided hospitals, PSUs etc.
Also read: Wearing masks can halt spread of virus even without lockdown: Study
Referring to some of the major activities and initiatives of the Department of Atomic Energy during the last one year, Dr Jitendra Singh complemented the scientific fraternity for coming to the support of society in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the high-quality face mask, he informed that the Atomic/Nuclear scientists have also developed the protocol for re-use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) subsequent to radiation sterilization.
The SOP for the same is under consideration by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, he added. Identification of new regions to develop RTPCR testing kits has also been accomplished, said Dr Singh. The kit is relatively more economic and expected to analyse relatively faster, he added.
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