With personal protective equipment in short supply in the battle against COVID-19, many Canadian manufacturers have retooled and begun producing hand sanitizer, gowns, masks, face shields and ventilators. But despite the great need on the part of healthcare facilities, many are reporting being tied up in red tape as they seek approvals from the federal government for the sale of their products.
Health Canada’s stamp of approval involves obtaining a Medical Device Establishment Licence (MDEL) and it costs $4,590.
“It has been a frustration for a number of companies across Ontario,” says Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough – Kawartha, who has been hearing from a number of local manufacturers about delays. “We still have one organization which has been waiting for approval for a hand sanitizer.”
To view more COVID-19 news as it pertains to the dental profession, please click here.
