Non-BJP ruled states also ordered Dhaman-1 ventilators, claims Gujarat Dy CM

Against the backdrop of a controversy over the quality of indigenous Dhaman-1 ventilators developed by a private firm in Gujarat, Gujarat Dy. CM Nitin Patel on Wednesday said Maharashtra and Puducherry have ordered the same ventilators from the manufacturer to combat COVID-19 in their states.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat):After a controversy erupted over the quality of Dhaman-1 ventilators, Gujarat Dy. CM Nitin Patel has claimed that non-BJP ruled states like Maharashtra and Puducherry have ordered the same ventilators from the manufacturer.

Earlier today the state government said these ventilators are certified by an accredited laboratory and fit to use. The 'Dhaman-1' ventilators were developed by Rajkot- based firm Jyoti CNC which had "donated" 866 of them to the state government last month in view of the acute shortage of such equipment, said Principal Secretary, Health, Jayanti Ravi.

However, a row erupted recently when the Ahmedabad civil hospital wrote to the government stating that the 'Dhaman-1' ventilators were not up to the mark, and sought sophisticated machines.

Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda had accused the government of 'playing with the lives' of COVID-19 patients by purchasing 'sub-standard' ventilators having no approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI).

Responding to the allegations over its quality and alleged violation of norms, Ravi said since a ventilator is not a drug formulation, it does not require any approval from the DCGI.

These machines were put to use only after receiving the performance and safety certificate from EQDC following intensive testing," she said.