Shielding what’s important

MGM University joins fight against COVID-19

It is not every day that we come across a Pandemic. One that involves a tragic loss of lives, jobs, and peace. These are the times when we take extraordinary measures to protect humankind and more importantly, those who are at the frontline and are battling to save hundreds and thousands of lives; our precious healthcare workers.

While most of us are keeping indoors and going out only to restock the essentials, the health workers are in the hospitals working three consecutive days at a stretch. To do this, their own lives are risked. When the average Indian frets over the deteriorating condition of medical workers who are getting affected because of lack of protective gear, spirited students have been able to contribute in remarkable ways.

A group of faculty members, students and alumni from MGM University, Aurangabad have taken the onus on them to provide doctors, health workers, and sanitation workers with a shield that they have started making at their own cost. The team comprises Dr. Ravindra Deshmukh, Prof. Pankaj Dhobale, Sushant Mahajan (Ph.D. student), Prof. Pranav Bansode (ICEEM, Aurangabad), Prof. Lahane ably assisted by many other staff and students of MGM University. Together they have created face shields which are being distributed to doctors, police, sanitation workers and other frontline workers, free of cost.

The Inspiration
Dr. Ravindra Deshmukh - Head of the Department, Engineering, MGM University, Aurangabad says –  “During this lockdown, we were trying to figure out a way to help the frontline workers. We came to know about these face shields that were being produced in JJ Hospital, Mumbai. We saw their videos and came up with a different model of our own along with the initiative of some of our students and faculty members”, he said.

The MGM team used three different materials such as stainless steel, acrylic, and MDF to create the design of this face shield that can be worn over a mask as it provides greater protection to the whole face and to the eyes as well from virus.

“We presented the design to MGM University Chancellor, Ankushrao Kadam, and Vice-Chancellor, Sudhir Gavhane. Seeing its benefits they gave us a green signal to start manufacturing the face shields.”

Initially, they used the laser cutting machine in its polytechnic college and manufactured 30 face shields in the first batch. They distributed the face shield to doctors in government hospitals for testing. “We had asked them for feedback and after using the face shields for a few days; the doctors too gave us a thumbs-up. Then we decided to increase our production count”, he said.

Within 8 days the MGM team distributed 1500 face shields among doctors, police and other sanitation workers for free in rural areas as well as in  Aurangabad city.

MGMU alumni join the cause

Scaling up the production of the face shields was a challenge where the alumni of MGM came forward to help. “We were able to make a maximum of only 200 pieces per day with our college equipment and hence, we contacted two of our alumni and they allowed us to use their factory equipment for production purposes”, he said.

“During this whole process, mobilizing the raw materials and the transportation needs were done with the help of the city police. With their permission we did the distribution process too”, he added acknowledging the assistance provided by the city police.

What’s next?

After the huge success of their shields, orders came pouring in from other parts of Maharashtra such as Latur and Kannad and so the production is being stepped up.

“We are planning to increase the production and help the other cities by providing these face shields at the actual production cost. We don’t want to make any profit as the entire project is for the welfare of society. Now we are also receiving sponsorship from Institution of Engineers India for producing these face shields”, he informed.

The face shield is lightweight and comfortable for a long shift and is designed to protect the face from harmful viruses and microorganisms. To safeguard humanity and the lives of the precious ones, this time, students have stepped up. For more details, you can reach MGM University Website.