According to John Hopkins University, the global coronavirus count has surged up to 1.66 crores, and the death toll has crossed 6. 60 lakh. Whilst, more than 97.04 lakh people have recovered.
Globally, all the countries are facing the unprecedented impact of the outbreak on healthcare. This impact as certainly affected the products utilized in combating the virus. These products refer to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that enlist products such as protective clothing, helmets, gloves, face shields, goggles, respirators, or other equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury or the spread of infection or illness.
In order to help address the concerns of availability amid the pandemic, various countries had issued certain guidelines for these PPE products.
On March 19, 2020, the Indian Government had announced a ban on the export of certain kinds of masks, ventilators, and textile raw materials for masks and coveralls amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Why did India issue restrictions on export?
In the period of Jan-April 2020, India exported surgical apparatus worth $2.8 million, and overalls worth $100 million. However, India was witnessing a rapid rise in cases every day which led to tightened norms in addition to the government restricting the exports. As measure to ensure there is no shortage of apparatus in India, the restrictions were imposed.
These export restrictions also were applicable on numerous drugs including paracetamol, tinidazole, metronidazole, acyclovir, progesterone, erythromycin salts, neomycin, clindamycin salts, chloramphenicol, ornidazole and vitamins B1, B6, and B12.
Following the crisis, PM Narendra Modi has been promoting the mantra “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” translating to independent India. As an initiative to promote the Make in India campaign and industrial growth, on July 29, the Indian Government has relaxed norms on the export of certain products that are in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Momentous decision to promote Make in India
The Government of India permitted the shipments of PPE medical coveralls for COVID-19 with an export quota of 50 Lakh units per month. The Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, confirmed the same by stating, “Following PM Modi’s mantra of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, in a decision to promote Make in India and industrial growth, govt permits export of 4 cr 2/3 Ply surgical masks and 20 lakh medical goggles every month, along with restriction-free export of face shields.”
Previously, these masks and goggles were banned from export, however, now they have been moved from banned category to restricted one. Now, the exporter has to seek permission or a license from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Apart from the above-listed items, rest all things that are part of the PPE kit remain prohibited.
