Viscous is the largest supplier of 3D printing technology in Pakistan. They offer a variety of services which includes premium industry skill and adaptable customizable solutions that cater to the needs of their customer. The company focuses and prides themselves on innovative ideas through the use of 3D manufacturing. As a company expert in their field, they have responded to the threat of corona virus by public ally offering their help to medical companies and innovators who might need it during this time.
Viscous.co is about turning ideas to reality through 3D manufacturing and paving the path for creative ideas . Ranging from parts or models, to industries ranging from automobile to moulding, Viscous offers quick low volume manufacturing, appearance models engineering and advanced prototyping on-demand. In their recent press statement, they stated the following: “We invite all Medical Practitioners, & Innovators To Reach Out to us, We Will Be Able To Provide You Support Through Our Technology! Download files: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LnSgNNWRGzT3KXFhLmYObGd0ZPLal_yh https://www.facebook.com/viscous.co/videos/885897388490974/?vh=e&d=n”.
Viscous has gone out of their way in the fight against corona to show companies how they can make affordable masks and medical equipment necessary to combat Covid-19. Through the use of 3-D printing technology, this serves as a long term and cost effective solution to manufacture equipment at a large scale. The companies believes they can show to companies how to make equipment such as as cap filter mask and normal surgical masks. They want to open source this to anyone that needs it and any normal individual can download and print their designs. In a time where surgical mask are at an all time low, this prototype can avert this problem from happening in the country. Companies such as these should be applauded in their effort to serve the community in the ongoing fight against this pandemic.
A twitter thread to find a feasible collaborative solution to make 400 ventilators from 100
The world is currently going through one of the biggest challenges it has encountered since over a decade with a Covid-19 pandemic that has resulted in the people around the world isolating themselves and remaining in Quarantine for an undetermined period of time. Hence, it has become imperative that people around the world are well aware of the preemptive measures to avoid corona virus and make sure that the virus is eradicated. One of these efforts is to ensure collaboration between research and industries who can work for ways that can mitigate this risk. In such effort, it was recently observed in a twitter thread that with the use of collaboration between various industrial experts and companies, one can use 100 ventilators and convert them into 400
This conversation was sparked by the twitter handle of Zarlasht Faisal at @zarlastfaisal who shared the thread on the resilience and potential of young creators in Pakistan. All of this was sparked on the use of 3D printing and how industries can use it to fast tracking the making of life saving equipment amidst the pandemic. The conversation was then followed with a conversation with the NIc Lahore Team which stated: “Another tagged tweet to NIC Lahore team; can your 3D printing teams get this done? 48 hours of brainstorming, and ideation. The idea to create a valve that connects to make 1 single patient use ventilator into a multi patient use splitter comes into fruition. Next step?”
This was then followed by the tweet which stated: “We need to study a ventilator. Access to hospitals is difficult; many don’t understand the idea of this innovative design. Frustration is vented out on twitter,at the same time that a story comes out about how a genius from an ICU in another country turned one ventilator into 9”.
This was followed by another tweet in which the design files are sent for the 3D printers. The tweet later states: “The printing happens overnight, and the valve splitters are ready by the next morning. Now time for testing; most status quo hospitals say “next week”. Hustling around; An email is sent to Shaukat Khanum; Dr.Faisal responds immediately, and loops in Dr.Aasim.” A connection was later established and stated that one hour, and their team is connected to the young engineers @theabdullah007 and his team at Rada who printed the valves and testing begins. Modifications are suggested. The valve design is improved, and approved. Suddenly; the capacity of 1 ventilator goes from 1-4.
This can be explored can various Hospitals across the country and with demand, 3D printers can be used alongside the necessary designs. A volunteer list of sign ups of 3D printers can be created by @yaserawan @fsherjan. The thread concluded with thanking those that contributed to this thread such as: @theabdullah007, @SKMCH, @yaserawan, @fsherjanand @fifteenforty.
Kwick Doctors launch smartphone app to fight against corona virus
Kwick Doctor is a medical service and a market place for a healthcare industry. It connect patient to a doctor via video call, online pharmacy, Online Labs and ambulance services available. Kwick Doctor have launched a smartphone to ale their facility public in the fight against the corona virus.
Kwick have launched a Smartphone app that is providing direct and instant access to quality healthcare. By setting up a real-time connection between doctors and patients through electronic devices, this application service provides users with a full range of medical services. Their Doctors are available 24hrs, 7 days a week and one can see their online doctor in minutes and get prescriptions, referrals and sick notes instantly. One of the main benefits of this app, especially in current situations is that it is available through GPS round the clock and in accordance to the time that facilitates the user. Moreover, they can issue referral letters so that patients can also see a specialist. Finally, they use encrypted video consultations to keep a users details and records safe.
All of their doctors on the Kwick Doctor network are 100% vetted qualified doctors recognised by Pakistan Medical and dental council. The app works on the system that when a patient picks a time for their consultation, they enter their online waiting room, and the GP will sees them as soon as possible. In the online video consultation, the GP ask them about their symptoms and can take a look at any affected areas, or listen to any symptoms, like a cough. If a user needs medication, the GP can write you a prescription instantly which will be saved in your personal information. In conclusion, in a time when people in the country are unsure whether they might be infected with corona virus, services such as these will go a long way to ensure citizens have access to professionals who can guide them better without the risk of being in close contact with them and at the comfort of their homes.
Telecom Providers Face controversy against response to Coronavirus
The coronavirus has greatly affected the lives of every individual around the world suffering from self isolation and quarantine. With the increase in threat and limited access to various resources, expectations have been built on consumer based companies to provide for their customers. One of the important sectors in this battle is the telecom sector who have yet to respond to the battle with due diligence.
As citizens have placed and hoped for great relief from all businesses that have to interact with their customers on a daily basis, various businesses such as food businesses, utility companies, and telcom and internet service providers have responded to this task. With the increase dependency and use for study from home or work from home challenges, having a fast and secure internet service has never been at such a high. It has caused a new challenge in the IT sector of the country to provide for better telecom connections. In various countries around the world, telecommunication companies are offering free bundles and special work-from-home offers while other companies are providing free access to learning websites and resources.
In Pakistan, users are yet to see how the telecom sector have responded to the exponential increase in the demand for data. Similarly these very businesses are also overwhelmed and are looking at ways to facilitate customers. Recently, #ShameOnTelecomSector was a top trend on twitter with people comparing measures of other countries’ telcom companies to what companies in Pakistan have done to facilitate their customers against the virus.
In an effort to respond to the trend of the hashtag, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz, said that: “Disappointing to see lack of awareness and appreciation for the telecom industry’s heartfelt support in time of the Covid19 crisis. We are all working hard to keep essential services like phone and the Internet functional under this lockdown. This is not easy work and requires everyone to be united.” He also stated: “In addition to ensuring business continuity, special offers and promotions have been put in place for the last one week that target employees, students and the financially-challenged while working from home. We have CSR project in place to support those who cannot afford telecom services and target them for relief. We are also sending care packages and food supplies to thousands of daily-wage workers under our sustainability program”.
Telenor CEO, Irfan Wahab Khan, also responded with a tweet and said, “Telenor Pakistan is playing an actively [sic] role and has changed its network name to ‘StayHome’, offered free WhatsApp, providing free first on-net call of the day, extended recharge validity, economized balance sharing, enabled a faster self-service customer care platform, made digital recharge available, and is working on many new offers. We are also working closely with the authorities for information dissemination, creating awareness and guiding the people in distress.” It is important to note that Jazz has announced work-from-home packages for business customers and Telenor Pakistan is offering unlimited WhatsApp. Finally, Ufone is offering unlimited on-net calls on its super card.
Ufone Partner With Pakistan Red Crescent to Create Awareness on Coronavirus
Pakistan Red Crescent is a sub organisation that is part of an ‘International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’ and is considered to be one of the leading humanitarian organization of Pakistan that aims to alleviate human sufferings through their diverse group of volunteers. Recently, it has been reported that Ufone and Pakistan’s largest humanitarian organization, Pakistan Red Crescent, have announced a partnership to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.
Ufone have announced their partnership and support with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society in creating widespread awareness about the virus in an effort to help the organisation in reaching to have maximum volunteer registration through its helpline 1030. As a result of this partnership and subsequent campaign, Ufone customers can now call the helpline free of charge 24/7 to get updates and information on the disease, along with getting to know the ways to proactively protect themselves, their families and their community. Customers can also register as volunteers for their community using the same helpline.
According to Abrar ul Haq, Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent, he said that : “It is really heartening to see that Ufone has come forward to support Pakistan Red Crescent during such difficult times, in which everyone, including the corporate sector needs to play a role… This partnership will enable us to reach out to many more people who are in need of our support right now, and shall help us to spread awareness about coronavirus on a larger scale”. He went on to highlight the importance of social distancing and the need to stay at home especially with the high count of corona cases that the country has seen.
Amir Pasha, Head of PR & CSR Ufone, said that “Ufone shall continue to be the front runner in the fight against Coronavirus. Today we stand united with all our fellow Pakistanis and we will constantly introduce initiatives which would create ease for our people”.
