Govt Invoke Disaster Management Act to Ensure Prices Regulation and Availability of Surgical and Protective Mask, Hand Sanitizer and Gloves

[Press Note dated 13.03.2020]

In cognizance of reports regarding non-availability and black marketing of Surgical and protective masks, Hand sanitizers and Gloves and as a measure of preparedness to address the challenge of outbreak of COVID-19, NPPA requested to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to notify the above mentioned items as drugs with immediate effect to enable NPPA to regulate the availability and prices of the Surgical and protective masks, Hand sanitizers and Gloves in public interest.

In pursuance of directions conveyed by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare vide order dated 13.03.2020 under clause (I) of sub-section (2) of section 10 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has been mandated to regulate the availability and prices of the Surgical and protective masks, Hand sanitizers and Gloves.

Accordingly, NPPA vide order dated 13th March, 2020 has directed to all State /UT Governments, in public interest, in order to deal with the situation arising out of COVID-19, to take necessary steps to ensure sufficient availability of Surgical and protective masks, Hand sanitizers and Gloves at prices not exceeding the maximum retail prices (MRP) printed on the pack size.

State/UT Governments have also been directed to monitor the production and distribution of above mentioned items by the Manufacturers/ Importers, Stockists and Retailers and ensure that hoarding, black marketing and profiteering may not happen.

[Source: Department of Pharmaceuticals, M/o Chemicals & Fertilizers Government of India - 13 March, 2020]