Turnstiles for the Armed Forces are more myths than objective truth
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A blood tourniquet is a fairly simple and inexpensive medical product, but its real price is the life of our soldiers. Today, the country has a number of local manufacturers of such necessary army life-saving tools.
Some of them, with the beginning of full-scale Russian aggression, had to “fly through” all stages of development, which took dozens of years for leading Western manufacturers. Someone is simply copying already existing options.
However, there is even an example when the Ukrainian manufacturer was able to improve the “gold standard” by receiving the approval and recognition of American military doctors and surgeons. One way or another, an existing market has already been formed in the country. We have to admit that the market is not problem-free.
Just imagine: is it possible, for example, at least in theory, fair competition between manufacturers, if there are still no uniform requirements for the standardization of turnstiles in the country? The question is, of course, rhetorical. And this, let us remind you, is the life of our people.
The quality of this medical product requires, first of all, a high level of expertise, which, unfortunately, not all market players want to develop. However, there are also reverse examples.
We talked about the prospects and problems of the tourniquet market in Ukraine with Ihor Tobler, an expert on the strategic development of the hemostatic tourniquet market of the Ukrainian company TQ Dnipro.
– In your opinion, how important is the control over the production and quality of turnstiles by the state and its relevant institutions? We are talking about domestic manufacturers.
– Of course, it is important. The national manufacturer can be controlled at all stages of production, and conditions can be set regarding terms and planning of production. And on the other hand – these are jobs and taxes to the budget. Any country in the world focuses primarily on its own producer. Everything else is the so-called critical import – products that cannot be produced in the country.
During the two years of the war, hemostatic tourniquets became a national idea for us. Many people produce this particular medical product, or try to produce it, make certain efforts, but, unfortunately, not everyone adheres to international standards in terms of legislation and technology. These are very weighty and important standards. This is the history of the production of tourniquets and the history of clinical trials spanning several decades. This is a test in civilian and military conditions.
Unfortunately, not all manufacturers in Ukraine take this experience into account and keep their work within the standards. In my opinion, it is necessary to systematize the data and create a single list of certain requirements at the state level. I think that in this case, many of those manufacturers who are currently on the market will be able to bring their production to the level that is considered world class.
– How difficult will it be?
– State control is now a bit late compared to the speed of evolution of manufacturers of any military equipment, equipment and tools. That is, the initiators of the process of production and supply of anything to the Armed Forces or on a volunteer basis or other domestic manufacturers are ahead.
They are simply more flexible than state institutions. That is why such a situation arises: there are producers certified according to international standards, but the state does not have a methodology for appropriate evaluation, inspections and influence on producers. This process has already started, it has already started. It’s been a while since I started, but I’m hoping to see some results soon.
– What is behind the production of hemostatic tourniquets? There is probably a misconception that it is not difficult and does not require effort.
– It is very difficult. We, for example, as a manufacturer started literally “from scratch”. All technological schemes, practical schemes, engineering solutions, business systematization were worked out, quality control standards were implemented. Passed certification and quality control in several countries of the world. Received the CE mark for compliance with European standards.
Products are now exported to 10 countries around the world. And the company itself and its products must be in constant development. We do not have the right to stop at achievements. The top management literally lives by the development, improvement and optimization of turnstile production processes 24 hours a day. Yes, it is difficult, but we understood exactly what path we would have to take.
Indeed, many people think that a hemostatic tourniquet is a simple product. But there is a fact: it is difficult to achieve the effect that the product performs its functions one hundred percent qualitatively. A laboratory with appropriate equipment should be in operation. Our turnstiles from the production line are tested every day.
Tests are also conducted in state laboratories. There is a department of engineering development, a department of experimental development, there are our own designers, our own technologies. All processes are described and systematized. This is very painstaking and long work.
– Whose developments and achievements did you focus on?
– When there is not enough time, and the circumstances require a result “for yesterday” in conditions of war, then in my opinion, reinventing the wheel is the wrong approach. As an example, we took the tools of several leading manufacturers and examined how they work. They studied – “deconstructed it into molecules” and began to produce turnstiles from materials that were available in Ukraine at that time.
The first version of our product passed the tests of laboratories and companies that conducted trainings for specialists. Received full feedback. Two months after the start, we already received the product, which was approved by the public organization “Turnstile Testing Center”.
It should be understood that we had to go through all the initial stages in a very short period of time. All foreign specialists who visited our company were surprised by the amount of effort and the quality of the obtained result.
The loop system that we used as the basis for our tool dates back to ancient times. Having confirmed its relevance on the battlefield of many wars and military conflicts, maintaining the primacy among other constructive implementations at the modern stage, it is really convenient for our fighters, and this is the main thing.
We immediately set the goal of designing a quality product and getting the opportunity to export it to other countries.
The product now has a number of patented design features that have improved its performance. This was recognized by tactical medics, paramedics and vascular surgeons from the USA and Europe. Also, we implement inventions that allowed us to obtain protective patents.
– So, to summarize: what exactly should the state and domestic manufacturers do today to improve the situation in the future?
– in my opinion, the State should systematize the requirements for turnstiles, as it is done all over the world, offer transparent conditions for all participants of this market. Do not lobby the interests of individual manufacturers, give the same conditions for everyone. Transparently qualify each producer. These processes have now begun, but they must accelerate their movement as we have done.
Government orders that enable the manufacturer to plan work for the future would be appropriate. Plan further development within clear and predictable limits. This is primarily related to logistics and the purchase of raw materials, because everything except metal is imported. This is what the state needs to do, and the manufacturer’s business, first of all, is to develop.
To constantly improve products, and not to try to compete. Especially if this competition tries to be unfair. And it can distort the main reference point for any manufacturer – saving the lives of our boys and girls who defend the country. We have no right to let them down. We must be their reliable rear. Therefore, now is not the place and not the time for competition.
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