The Victorian government has inked a deal to have ventilators produced locally within the state by June.
Innovation and Trade Minister Martin Pakula says the government has awarded local firm Grey Innovation a $500,000 grant to help it secure a licensing deal to produce the devices, which can be life-saving for patients suffering COVID-19.
Victoria only has 1000 ventilators available but the government intends to place an order for 2000 ventilators with the manufacturer, the first of which will be potentially ready for hospitals in June.
"We're moving to fast-track the local production of ventilators, so that hospitals and health-care workers can continue their extraordinary efforts in caring for those of us who need it most," Mr Pakula said in a statement.
"A local manufacturer of these life-saving machines will help us respond to coronavirus cases and help save Victorian and Australian lives."
The government is also helping Ballarat-based Gekko Systems in their plans to produce ventilators as part of a $1.3 billion procurement drive for medical equipment and supplies.
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