Belgium/Gembloux: a logistics center now houses Wallonia's stock of medical equipment, including Covid masks
Protective equipment is no longer stored in Brussels, but in Gembloux. The aim is to be more efficient in distributing masks, gloves, goggles and other protective clothing in the event of a health crisis in the south of the country. This equipment is better packaged and can be delivered more quickly to retirement homes, institutions for the disabled and other SPW (Service Public de Wallonie) communities. This project is the fruit of a public-private partnership with AVIQ (Agence wallonne pour une Qualité de Vie) and Medista (a Belgian SME).
This is one of the lessons learned from the last pandemic. The Covid crisis had caused some difficulties in the distribution of individual protective equipment, such as FFP2 and FFP3 masks and goggles for nursing staff.
"Today, we can be more efficient in stocking and distributing this equipment," explains Walloon Health Minister Yves Coppieters. "We are here in the heart of Wallonia, in Gembloux, in a modern center enabling strategic stock management in the event of a health crisis".
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According to Aviq, the Gembloux stockpile can last three months. The site can therefore ensure rapid, efficient distribution of materials to Walloon institutions such as nursing homes. "By way of example, there are 12,300,000 surgical masks," explains spokeswoman Lara Kotlar. According to the logistics center manager, conditions of preservation, control, safety and traceability are optimal.
Source: www.rtbf.be/
