Ensure Parity in price of N-95 masks or face action: NPPA tells sellers

The NPPA made note of the mismatch between the demand and supply of N-95 Masks in the country In the prevailing situation due to COVID-19. As per Guidance issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and World Health Organization (WHO) for the management of COVID-19, it has been stated that Medical Masks are primarily meant for the use of frontline health care workers.

To ensure uninterrupted supply to healthcare workers,  the Government is procuring the largest chunk of the N-95 Masks directly from the manufacturers/importers/suppliers at bulk rates and ex-factory prices. However, it has been noticed that other procurers (non-government entities) are getting N-95 Masks at differential prices.

" Thus, in order to ensure the availability of N-95 Masks at affordable prices in the country, NPPA hereby directs manufacturers/importers/suppliers of the N-95 Masks to maintain parity in prices for non-government procurements and to make available the same at reasonable prices," The notice stated

" Any instance of hoarding, black marketing, and higher prices of N-95 masks reported will be viewed seriously and action shall be initiated by the Government under the Essential Commodities Act,1995," the notice further added

To read the full memorandum click on the below-mentioned link:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/pdf_upload-129178.pdf