Since there is no vaccine or drug available to cure COVID-19, face masks have proven to be an effective measure to prevent the contraction of the coronavirus. The COVID-19 protocols suggest that washing hands with soaps and practising social distancing should prevent the spread of the infection.
However, there is a high demand for masks and the prices have skyrocketed due to black marketing. The administration has stepped up in order to control the same and to ensure that masks are available to citizens at affordable prices.
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday capped the prices of masks to reduce the profiteering during COVID-19 pandemic. As per the new rates, the N-95 masks will cost between ₹19 to ₹45 in the state while two and three-layered masks will be available for just ₹3 and ₹4, respectively.
Maharashtra Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope informed that the state government has capped the prices of masks. He said that the maximum retail price for various categories of masks will not be applicable until the infectious diseases law comes into force.
Tope said that the decision has been approved by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar so that masks can reach the common people easily and at very low prices.
Currently, the N-95 mask is being sold between ₹150 to ₹600 while two and three-layered masks cost around ₹20 to ₹40. The new rates will reduce the existing prices for masks by 40 per cent to 60 per cent. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will ensure that masks are sold at revised prices.
A committee was also formed to determine the rates for sanitisers and masks. The committee held discussions with manufacturing companies before fixing the rates.
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