COVID-19: IIT Roorkee develops low-cost face shields for AIIMS to battle deadly pandemic

Amid battle with deadly pandemic of Coronavirus that witnessed short of face masks and or essential equipment for doctors, researchers of Indian Institute of Techlogy, Roorkee (IIT-R) have developed low-cost face shields for healthcare professionals of All India Institute of Medical Studies (AIIMS) Rishikesh.

face shield that has been developed using 3D printer costs as low as Rs 45, if manufacturing on a mass scale, cost could be brought down to Rs 25. However, IIT Roorkee will first send a pilot batch of 100 face shields to AIIMS, Rishikesh.

READ | PM Modi's Giant Appeal: 'On April 5 At 9 PM For 9 Mins, Challenge Coronavirus With Light'

READ | Coronavirus LIVE Updates: India's COVID-19 Tally Increases To 2547; 62 Casualties Reported

'Our humble thanks to medical professionals'

AIIMS Rishikesh has expressed gratitude and congratulated IITians for coming up with such face shields that would help health care professionals who are leading battle against contagious virus. 

"I would like to congratulate IIT Roorkee for a commendable job of developing face shields for protection of frontline healthcare workers. I am confident that se face shields will be of utmost use t only for medical health workers of our Institute but for whole country," said Prof. Ravi Kant, AIIMS Rishikesh.  

shield has been developed at 'ReThink! Tinkering Lab', a technical facility open to all students at IIT Roorkee. Tinkering Lab provides a platform for students to do something great and inculcates ingenious spirit among m. It is place that promotes invation and experimentation.

Professor Akshay Dvivedi, Coordinator, Tinkering Lab, IIT Roorkee said, "This face shield is our humble thanks to all healthcare professionals who are untiringly doing ir job for mankind."

READ | Amit Shah Approves Release Of Rs 11,092 Cr To States To Fight COVID-19: MHA

READ | 11 CISF Personnel Posted At Mumbai Airport Test Positive For COVID-19

"We commend healthcare personnel for ir relentless efforts in taking care of COVID-19 patients. I am sure se face shields will help in minimizing transmission risk of disease," said Prof. Ajit K Chaturvedi, Director, IIT Roorkee. 

nation is w witnessing an alarming surge in number of COVID-19 cases. With nationwide lockdown in its 10th day on April 3, number of COVID-19 positive cases in India stands at 2,546, of which 62 have succumbed to virus while 2,322 cases are still active; 162 have recovered and been discharged according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

(With ANI inputs)