'Pharmacies running out of masks, hand sanitizers, Government should step in'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 16 2020: Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, masks are no more available at almost all the pharmacies in the capital city of the State, while only a few sanitizers can be found, which have caused apprehension among the public as these items are a part of the preventive measures against the virus.

On the other hand, the State Government must ensure that apart from taking up other preventive measures, these crucial items are also made available to the public properly.

The Sangai Express, while visiting several pharmacies in Imphal City today, found that no masks were available in stock.

One of the pharmacist/staff informed TSE that, initially, a two-layered mask was sold at Rs 15 while a two-layered mask with a knot at the back was sold at Rs 10 and the four-layered N-95 mask was made available at Rs 150 per piece.

He claimed that pharmacies are no longer selling masks as import of the same items has halted.

The pharmacist continued that a hand sanitiser with 66% alcohol content costs Rs 199 while those with 70 % content costs Rs 215 and the rate of those with maximum number of alcohol is high.

Now, fewer hand sanitizers are available at most of the pharmacies, he said and expressed apprehension that the pharmacies will also run out of hand sanitizers if the usual import of the product is stopped.

He noted that the State Government should do the needful and stock up masks and hand sanitizers for the public.

Talking about the impact of absence of these two items to TSE, Manipur Chemist and Drugs Association (MCDA) president Ningthoujam Ibochouba confirmed that there are no more two-layered mask present at major pharmacies while only a few N95 masks are left, which is also likely to be over soon.

The president informed that normally, these masks are supposed to be disposed after using but as there is a matter of unavailability at present, the masks can be used twice after washing delicately with 'Dettol' .

Saying that people across the country are facing the same issue, the All India Organisation Chemist and Drugs has conveyed that a one crore order for masks and sanitizers placed by North East region has not been fulfilled, added Ibochouba.

Maintaining that hand sanitizers under different names are being sold at pharmacies, he continued that the quality of these new hand sanitizers are not yet confirmed while adding that the Health Department should intervene in this matter.

He urged all pharmacies in the State to sell masks, sanitizers and drugs/medicines at MRP.

It has been learned that masks which normally cost Rs 15 to Rs 20 are being sold above Rs 30, Ibochouba said while appealing all concerned to stop overpricing and price hiking.

Alleging that the association has also learned that masks, hand sanitizers and medicines, which are airlifted and couriered in from drug/medicine companies into Manipur, are channelized towards Myanmar, he urged the State Government to look into the matter at the earliest.

He appealed to the State Government and the authorities concerned to make sure that each and every necessary measure is taken up to keep the virus from entering the State and to ensure that masks and sanitizers are made available to the people.

Informing that there are more than 2300 pharmacies in the State under MCDA, Ibochouba said that the association will be organising publicity and poster campaign on COVID-19 from March 18.The campaign will keep a check on pharmacies which are overpricing the essential items apart from raising awareness about coronavirus.

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