ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — Fab Lab Mindanao continues its production of personal protective equipment (PPE) for donation to frontline medical professionals and other essential workers in Northern Mindanao.
Located in Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) here, the laboratory has distributed 3,431 face shields to 51 hospitals, health units, and other groups since it started its production on March 23, 2020.
The face shield frames were designed and printed using a 3D printer. Acetate or plastic sheets were later mounted to the frames to complete the PPE.
The face shields were distributed to hospitals such as the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), Northern Mindanao’s referral hospital for COVID-19 cases; Rural Health Centers of Balingasag, Jasaan, Magsaysay, and El Salvador; Amai Pakpak; Dr. Uy Hospital; Mindanao Sanitarium and Hospital; Gregorio Lluch Memorial Hospital; and Lanao Norte Provincial Hospital, among others.
Aside from the face shields, the Fab Lab also fabricated aerosol boxes and a borescope attached to a do-it-yourself 3D-printed laryngoscope. The aerosol boxes, which can be disinfected after every use, is intended to serve as a physical barrier between the attending healthcare personnel and the patient. The prototype was provided to Dr. Uy Hospital in Iligan City for user assessment and feedback.
Meanwhile, the laryngoscope is under modifications before it can be officially provided to hospitals and other health care centers.
Funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Shared Service Facility (SSF) project, the fabrication laboratory’s production of PPEs is in collaboration with the CDO Makers and ZYX Co.
It is also working closely with otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons for inputs in the design thinking process and production of other PPEs, specifically the borescope.
While the first fab lab in Mindanao spearheaded the COVID-19 response initiatives, 29 other Fab Labs across the country eventually joined the action in the production and donation of PPEs.
As of press time, the Fab Labs have distributed 60,729 face shields and 266 aerosol boxes to hospitals, health units, and other essential establishments doing frontline work nationwide. (DTI-10/PIA ICIC)
