The McGowan Government has secured a new local supplier to meet the increased hospital demand for hand sanitiser created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Western Australian business Wild Child Laboratories, based in Malaga, will meet the $1.7 million order through the production and delivery of 200,000 bottles of hand sanitiser to WA hospitals throughout the year. This will boost the State's supply for up to 40 weeks, based on the 5,000 bottles per week used in the hospital system.
Wild Child Laboratories will produce hand sanitiser in alignment with the WA Health specifications, which go beyond those of the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
WA Health is also working with other government agencies to streamline the engagement process with potential suppliers of required products. This will reduce our reliance on overseas supply and boost local industry as part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"One of the aims of the McGowan Government during this pandemic is to help Western Australian stay in their jobs.
"This is just one great example of how Western Australian manufacturers are stepping up to the mark to help protect our healthcare workers and their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The ability to secure essential supplies of clinical-grade hand sanitisers for our hospitals is critical for good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other germs.
"This contract is part of the ongoing work of the WA Health procurement teams to ensure adequate supply of essential products across the State despite national and international shortages."
