The state government has awarded Malaga company Wild Child Laboratories a $1.7 million contract to produce hand sanitiser for the state’s hospitals.
It has been contracted to produce and deliver 200,000 bottles of hand sanitiser.
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 was established by award-winning business person Leanne Preston in 1997 after she produced Australia’s first all-natural head lice treatment and preventative product.
The business has subsequently sold the rights to its Quitnits product and completed its own manufacturing facility in 2013.
The hand sanitiser it produces will align with the WA Health specifications, which go beyond those of the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Health Minister Roger Cook said one of the aims of the government during the pandemic was to help Western Australian stay in their jobs.
“This is just one great example of how WA manufacturers are stepping up to the mark to help protect our healthcare workers and their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“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.”