Mathura jail inmates to make polythene-based PPE kit for staff, sanitation workers

Agra: Mathura jail is all set to start the production of polythene-based Improvised Personal Protection kit, developed by IIT-Kanpur researchers, for use of its staff and

sanitation workers

at the forefront of Covid-19 battle.

Confirming this, senior superintendent of Mathura jail Shailendra Maitri said that these kits had been developed by IIT-Kanpur and after seeing the technique on youtube, the NGO engaged in rehabilitation and reforms programme in jail complex developed 20 pieces. “We have received it today and will soon start its production in the jail so we can protect our staff too,” Maitri said.

He told TOI that the improvised kit will costs between Rs 150-200 per piece which is far cheaper than other PPE kits that cost around Rs 850. “In a temporary jail, our staff and cops usually interact with the accused before testing them for Covid-19 and there are high chances of the spread of infection. This kit is reusable after sanitisation,” he added.

Shipra Rathi of the NGO Khajani Welfare Society said, “We have taken suggestions from medical professionals before preparing the kit. This is not for doctors but for those who are exposed to the infection as they work in high risk areas like sanitation workers, cops, jail staff.”

She told TOI that they have followed WHO norms of sealing the plastic kit without stitching it. “There is a face mask, latex gloves, shoe covers, arm covers, body cover and a cotton cap in the kit,” Rathi said.