Minister Hi-Tech to make ventilators for Covid-19 patients

After Walton, another Bangladeshi electronics manufacturing company has taken the initiative to manufacture ventilators for Covid-19 patients in the country.

"We are very close to success. By the next week, we will produce 100 units of the ventilator," said MA Razzaq Khan, chairman of the Minister Hi-Tech Park Electronics Ltd.

The cost of a ventilator unit will be between Tk75,000 and Tk85,000, much lower than the price of Tk4-5 lakh in international market.

Sohel Kibria, head of brand and communications of Minister-Myone Group, told The Business Standard that they got the design and specifications for the ventilator from Medtronic, which has shared its design specifications to accelerate efforts to increase global ventilator production.

Medtronic is a renowned medical device company that generates the majority of its sales and profits from the US healthcare system, but is headquartered in the Republic of Ireland for tax purposes.

"We have imported raw material and engaged expert engineers to manufacture the product," Kibria said.

Developed countries, be it America, Europe or Asia, are facing a severe shortage of ventilators that help patients breathe more naturally through some of the most innovative breath delivery technology.

According to Save the Children Bangladesh, there are reportedly 1,769 ventilators in the country at this moment or in the pipeline, which means one ventilator is available for every 93,273 people on average.

Sheikh Fazle Fahim, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said they will purchase 10 percent of the first production lot and supply it to the hospitals dealing with Covid-19 patients.

Fahim also extended his deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Minister Hi-Tech Park Electronics for its move to make the product locally.