GM to make ventilators in lieu of cars to help Coronavirus (Covid-19) victims

MANILA: General Motors (GM) began a systematic shutdown of its manufacturing operations in North America last March 18 until the end of the month in order to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Two days after, coinciding with the rise in Covid-19 cases in the US, GM announced that they will use their logistics, purchasing, and manufacturing expertise to help Ventec Life Systems (VLS) efficiently increase production of its respiratory care products to support the growing fight against the pandemic.

There has been a massive shortage of ventilators in other countries affected by Covid-19, and the US is strategically addressing this before it becomes a major problem by creating partnerships with various private companies so they may assist in the production of ventilators.

VLS is currently producing only 150 units per month but aims to rapidly increase this number to 1,000 initially before hitting a maximum of 2,000 units per month.

The price of ventilators ranges between US$25,000 to US$50,000. It is a form of life support used by patient who cannot breathe on the their own. It pushes air into the lungs, forces fluid out of the air sacs, and also removes carbon dioxide from the body.

It will be used by the patient until their lungs heal and regain normal function.

“With GM’s help, Ventec will increase ventilator production. By tapping their expertise, GM is enabling us to get more ventilators to more hospitals much faster.  This partnership will help save lives,” said Chris Kiple, Ventec Life Systems CEO.

“We are working closely with Ventec to rapidly scale up production of their critically important respiratory products to support our country’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. We will continue to explore ways to help in this time of crisis,” said Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO.

Photo from https://www.venteclife.com