Netcare has asked good Samaritans to stop producing 3-D face masks as hospitals were well equipped to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Director Dr Anchen Loubscher said there was a misconception that Netcare hospitals were short of equipment such as masks.

“We sincerely apologise for any misconception created in the community that our group was in desperate need of face shields,” she said.

“Netcare has not put any official request in this regard to groups or individuals in the community, and have made our position clear to those who did contact us in this regard.”

She said the company wished to stress that no community groups or individuals should be producing 3-D face shields for its hospitals, adding that they have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment including masks for its healthcare professionals and staff.

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“As you can imagine, the requirements for such equipment within a healthcare organisation such as Netcare is immense,” she said.

“This, whilst the gesture of the 3-D printing group is both heartening and deeply appreciated, the number of face shields that can be made using 3-D printers will naturally assist but not make a significant impact in addressing the full need for masks in our operations.”

She said the gesture showed that members of the community were united in helping fight the spread of the virus.

“We are really appreciative of the efforts in this regard and it is heart-warming to see the community solidarity that prevails at this challenging time.”

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