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Efforts by DRDO to deal with COVID-19 pandemic

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Efforts by DRDO to deal with COVID-19 pandemic

  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been tracking the spread of Coronavirus(COVID-19) since the world media started reporting its devastating impact.
  • The DRDO has produced a range of products, including multi-layered advanced masks and bodysuits to deal effectively with the outbreak of coronavirus.
  • They also work with private sectors to mass-produce ventilators, provide high-grade protective materials for use by researchers and health professionals.

Important efforts made by DRDO:

  • DRDO developed Sanitizers, Masks and PPE kits etc. when there was scarcity and no Know-how of technology available in India.
  • DRDO undertook fast-tracked the design and development of N95, N99 mask and many other technologies for disinfection and protection from COVID.
  • DRDO carried out PPE testing at Gwalior for PPE imported from foreign countries. The same facility was later shifted to Delhi for cutting short the transit time.
  • Makeshift COVID-19 hospitals were established by DRDO at Delhi, Patna (Bihar), Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Rishikesh (UK), Jammu (UT of J&K), Srinagar (UT of J&K), Ahmedabad and Varanasi (UP).
  • Modern RTPCR facilities were created or repurposed at Delhi (02 Labs),Gwalior (01 Lab), Leh (01 Lab), Tejpur (01 Lab), Bangalore (01 Lab).
  • An anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of the drug 2-DG (2-deoxy-D-Glucose) has been developed by DRDO to benefit the people suffering from COVID-19.
  • Guidebooks and apps like 'MANOKAVACH' have been developed by (DIPR) DRDO to aid our Armed Forces as well as civilian against this pandemic situation and to address the emotional and psychological state of the citizen of the country.
  • Several Yoga and audio lectures were also designed for immunity boosting.
  • Sanitization and testing facilities have been extended at various Armed Forces locations, government offices all over the country including the Parliament of India.
  • DRDO made state of the art Mobile BSL-III Containment Laboratory forCOVID-19 testing and deployed for COVID testing.
  • Under PMCARES 866 nos. of Medical Oxygen Plants based on DRDO technologies are being set up by DRDO's industry partners across the country to make medical oxygen production capability available in every district of the country.
  • DRDO has developed a unique system, ""Oxycare"" which sense the individual's SPO2 level and accordingly supply oxygen from a cylinder.
  • DRDO developed indigenous ventilators through Indian Industries and help them indigenize many critical parts which were not available during very first spell of lockdown,
  • Government of India has roped in tertiary care hospitals under other ministries to supplement the hospital facilities.
  • Many large temporary treatment facilities were established by DRDO to manage surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.
  • To generate oxygen at the health facility level, PSA plants are being established in each district hospitals to reduce the burden on the medical oxygen supply grid across the country.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):

  • DRDO is the R&D wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems, while equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in accordance with requirements laid down by the three Services.
  • DRDO was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the then already functioning Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
  • Currently, DRDO is a network of more than 50 laboratories which are deeply engaged in developing defence technologies.

Mission:

  • Design, develop and lead to production state-of-the-art sensors, weapon systems, platforms and allied equipment for our Defence Services.
  • Provide technological solutions to the Services to optimise combat effectiveness and to promote well-being of the troops.
  • Develop infrastructure and committed quality manpower and build strong indigenous technology base.

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