One of the largest problems of many health workers in different parts of the world is the insufficiency of medical infrastructures. These infrastructures are a crucial part of the world's battle with the novel coronavirus pandemic. It helps save the lives of their patients, especially those who need intensive care.

Nations with a huge number of COVID-19 cases are struggling to provide for the demands of medical supplies and equipment needed by those on the front line to fight against the deadly disease.

Ventilator Issues

Ventilators are a mechanical breathing device that is one of the most important tools used to save COVID-19 patients whose lungs are being badly attacked by the novel coronavirus, says an article.

Based on the data from the World Health Organization, in six COVID-19 patients, one of them gets seriously ill from the illness and experience difficulties in breathing.

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Tips from Asian Countries on Controlling COVID-19 Cases In the United States of America, the Society of Critical Care Medicine had estimated that there will be 960,000 COVID-19 patients who will need ventilators. However, there are only 200,000 machines in the United States. Based on the estimated provided by the organization, at least half of those machines are older models and may not be appropriate for those who are seriously ill. Additionally, other non-COVID-19 patients need or may need ventilators.

What is a Ventilator?

In severe cases of the COVID-19, the virus cause damage to healthy lung tissues. This damage makes it difficult for the lungs to deliver oxygen to the blood.

When pneumonia develops alongside an acute respiratory distress syndrome, the other organs of a person gets damaged.

To prevent this from happening, ventilators give oxygen to the lungs of patients with intense respiratory issues. This is done by inserting a tube connected to the ventilator to the throat of the patient.

Those with milder symptoms of the illness can be put on non-invasive ventilators using nasal masks, face masks, or mouthpieces. This way, pressurized air or a combination of gases can be pushed into the lungs of patients.

What Are They Doing to Meet the Demand?

Manufacturers of ventilators are being pressured to increase their production. This is a difficult task due to the challenges of transportation and supply of significant parts such as motors, electronics, valves, and hoses. Many of these parts are shipped from China, the epicenter of the illness. These challenges are primarily brought by the COVID-19 crisis.

As private companies struggle to supply the increasing demand for ventilators, different nations had already sought assistance from other manufacturers and the military. Also, some governments are even eyeing 3D printing to help increase production.

One of the biggest producers of ventilators in the world, Hamilton Medical AG, a Swiss-based company, plans to increase its production numbers to approximately 21,000 ventilators for this year. Last year, the company produced 15,000 ventilators. It is currently deploying relevant measures including putting its marketing staff on the product line to help meet this goal.