Sub-standard masks withdrawn following healthcare workers’ illness

The healthcare authority in North Savo withdrew the sub-standard masks from use at care centers in the area following illness of the healthcare workers after using the masks, national broadcaster Yle reported.

According to the healthcare officials in the region, the masks caused allergic reactions among healthcare staff and withdrew them from use on Wednesday, said the Yle report on Friday.

"The masks caused allergic reactions on the skin in other regions, so we did not use any of them," said the report quoting Leila Pekkanen of the North Savo health authority as saying.

The masks imported from China and failed stringent tests for use in hospitals.

Meanwhile, the deal of the masks created controversy in the country as a result the Managing Director of the National Emergency Supply Agency (Huoltovarmuuskeskus-HVK)-NESA, Tomi Lounema resigned on April 10 while two top officials were suspended on April 13.

The NESA on Tuesday also requested a police investigation into the 10-million-euro deal to purchase protective equipment.

Now the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating into the matter.

"At this stage we are focused on the recovery of funds," reported Yle quoting Superintendent of NBI Tomi Taskila as saying.