Hyderabad pharmacies stop sale of masks, sanitizers due to unreasonably high prices

Amid short of masks and sanitizers during lockdown, pharmacists in Hyderabad have alleged that wholesalers have been selling se products at unreasonably high prices.

"re is a short of masks in market. We don't have any stocks. re is a lot of demand but we are unable to get m at reasonable prices from wholesalers. Genuine sanitisers with a certified brand are t available. We urge government to take this issue seriously," Praveen Kumar, a pharmacist, told ANI.

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While ar pharmacist Ramesh said, " wholesalers are selling masks and sanitisers at a higher cost than what is fixed by government. How can we n purchase masks and sanitisers from m and sell se at a higher price to customers? refore, we are t getting any stock."

A customer Joseph Vijay said, "I have come here from a far distant place to purchase a mask since it is t available near my house. masks are t even available at store in Gandhi Hospital here."

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NPPA directs authorities to ensure supply of masks, sanitizers

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has asked Health Secretaries and Chief Secretaries of all States to ensure availability and distribution of masks, gloves, and sanitisers in view of situation arising out of coronavirus pandemic. It also urged to resolve issues in movement of stock and manpower on priority to ensure uninterrupted production and supply of medicines and medical devices in country.

India has witnessed a swell in Coronavirus cases as number of infected individuals crossed 1000 figure mark. As on March 29, number of Covid-19 positive cases stand at 1024, of which 27 have succumbed to virus while 95 have been recovered and discharged according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.