Stakeholders at IIT KGP promote hygiene and preventive care amidst COVID-19 scare
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A team of researchers from IIT Kharagpur’s School of Medical Science and Technology has successfully developed an alcohol based hand rub following the present scenario of scarcity of hand sanitizers/ hand wash preparations in the market due to their heavy demand. The team created the formulation based on guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization.
The hand rub essentially consists of isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, glycerol and water. This formulation is based on WHO guidelines of local in house production that is effective against bacteria and viruses.
The team consisted mostly of research scholars Atul Kumar Ojha, Ayan Gope, Anurup Mukhopadhyay, Lopamudra Das, Akashlina Basu, a few of whom are from pharmaceutical technology background.
The Transport Section of the Institute led by Prof. Mihir Sarangi from the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering has also developed another formulation based on 70% Isopropyl or Rubbing alcohol, or Ethanol + 30% Aloe vera gel + 10 drops of Essential oil.
Both groups are making their sanitizer available to the select segments of the staff to help them adhere to hygiene protocols as advised by WHO while they continue providing essential services to the students and campus community.
“The formulation has been prepared only on non-commercial basis and undertaking for its use has been taken from different labs,” confirmed researcher Atul Kumar Ojha.
The Institute has also ordered for masks designed by the healthcare authorities of the campus and made locally as has been confirmed by Director Prof. V K Tewari.
Further to this, to limit social connection at official premises, The Institute on March 22, 2020 following a communication received from the Secretary, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, permitted working from home or hostel to Faculty members / Researchers including those working in projects / other Scholars & Fellows who are carrying out research / Non-Teaching staff (except employees attached to emergency services) till 31st March 2020 or until further order.
The academic staff and research scholars are being encouraged to develop on-line content, on-line teaching and on-line evaluation, prepare lesson plan and develop instructional material for the courses to be offered during next academic year / next semester, carry on research and project related works, write articles, papers, prepare innovative questions for question banks and even strategize innovative projects on ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ program and other topics.
