The engineering team at JK Paper Mills has indigenously developed a bag valve mask or Ambu bag, a small self-inflating device used to deliver breathing support during emergencies, for local hospitals to support the lives of those affected by Covid-19.

According to the company, the device is equipped with a ventilator, which can be used during emergency situations. Although it is not a replacement for ICU ventilators, the bags could be an interim lifesaver for many.

The company said, "When it comes to creating lasting impressions, we leave no stone unturned. The Ambu bag has a ventilator to support the lives of those affected by Covid-19."

Lauding the development, Anil Dixit, vice president and head HR at JK Paper, said, "Great job done by our plant engineering team. Helping  the nation in today's challenging situation."

Ambu bags are said to be portable and much cheaper – costing a couple of thousand rupees – than the conventional ventilation, which costs north of Rs 4 lakhs. However, these devices are meant for single use.

According to IIT Hyderabad, patients from villages need not be rushed to hospitals in cities if Ambu bags are used.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, about 5% of the Covid-19 positive patients will require intensive care, of which half will need mechanical ventilation. Thus, hospitals will need a steady supply of ventilators to effectively treat critical patients since these medical devices help in artificial respiration once a patient’s lungs fail.

The need for medical equipment and consumables have been ever increasing with the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases across the country. Several companies, including firms from the print industry, are scrambling to come up with cheaper and effective alternatives of medical devices and kits in order to address its shortages.