In Vitebsk, special overalls began to be sewn for doctors and not only
The special feature of the workwear is that the overalls, made of air-impermeable non-woven spunbond (a special material for medical needs), are particularly reliable. They can provide maximum protection to the human body from the negative impact of the environment. The Director of OJSC, Vitaly Starikovich, explains what helped to quickly put the new product on the assembly line:
— We had developed a model of workwear for painters and were preparing for its release. But after the epidemiological situation worsened, we quickly adapted, adjusting the already finished project to meet the needs of medical professionals. We added elastic bands and ties where necessary. The result was a good suit. Unlike other disposable garments, it has no seams or connections that could serve as entry points for infection. The model was approved by the healthcare department of the regional executive committee, we received support from the Committee of Economy, and permission from the Ministry of Health. "SvetlogorskKhimvolokno" has already shipped a substantial batch of material – almost a two-week supply. Subsequent fabric deliveries will become regular.
Currently, the sewing enterprise, which primarily serves the medical industry of the Vitebsk region, has optimized its product range. First and foremost, it will produce items that are urgently needed by clinics and outpatient facilities today – disposable medical gowns, surgical suits, shoe covers, and caps. In total, up to 5,000 items are already shipped to consumers daily.
On a tolling basis for the production of new overalls, "Trud-Vitebsk" plans to involve its colleagues from the "Vitebchanka" factory. Through joint efforts, and without compromising the production of other medical items, the seamstresses will be able to produce up to a thousand overalls daily. Vitaly Starikovich notes:
— We could have switched the enterprise to a two-shift operation, but there are not enough seamstresses. Just the other day, 10 young specialists from a sewing college will come for an internship – they will immediately be involved in the assembly line. We will try to fulfill all the orders of medical institutions and their sponsors. The charitable activities of enterprises in the city have seriously intensified. Entrepreneurs often call us and ask: how can they help medics, what can we order from them. For example, Belvest and Energokomplekt paid for 11,000 disposable gowns for the Vitebsk Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital. We feel constant support from local authorities – they help us in terms of providing raw materials, paying for electricity and taxes. We are working with minimal profitability – this is not the time to take advantage of the situation and think about fabulous profits.
The local charitable foundation for spiritual revival "Life" of the city of Vitebsk also accumulates the initiatives of the business community. About 50 thousand rubles have already been collected here to help the region's medical institutions. Now, together with the medics, they are deciding on the most important needs to direct these funds to. Preliminary – hot meals for medics, protective equipment, oxygen concentrators, transport boxes.
The public association "Association of Employers and Entrepreneurs" is also actively working in this direction. UP "Polymerkonstruktsiya" has developed an effective disinfectant, sterilizing, and washing agent – it has already passed certification in the established manner. The first batches of the solution are being shipped to medical institutions, orphanages, and nursing homes. A group of researchers led by Professor Valery Semenov has developed and released the first batch of PCR test systems for detecting coronavirus.
The technical platform for scientific developments is the Vitebsk scientific and production enterprise "SIVital". The cost of one test is about 12 rubles, while the published price of foreign analogues is from 30 dollars.
LLC "Marco" provided specialized footwear to doctors of two clinics. Restaurateurs are supporting medical workers with food. The trading enterprise "Omega" provided financial assistance to the oncology dispensary — at this time, it is very important to strengthen preventive measures there. The company "Nika" and the enterprise "Allianceplast" handed over masks to the Emergency Hospital and the regional clinical hospital. "Belle Bimbo", "Spektr mebeli", "Briz" and other economic entities have made their contribution. On the crowdfunding platform "Ulej", money is currently being raised for ventilators — even ordinary citizens are transferring money here.
In total, to date, more than one hundred Vitebsk entrepreneurs have supported the initiative to provide assistance to medical workers.