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Maharashtra Government to Cap Prices of Masks and Sanitizers


Maharashtra Government to Cap Prices of Masks and Sanitizers
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Stating that masks and sanitizers are going to be the “new normal” Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said that prices of masks and sanitizers in the state will be capped. This comes as the Central Government had already capped prices on masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the country. However, masks continued to sell at steep prices across India, including Maharashtra.

“We have received complaints of people selling these items at an inflated price. We have decided to cap their price as we did for hospital charges and ambulance services. A notification will be issued in eight days,” the State Health Minister said.

Tope also mentioned that a notification will be issued on the same by the Public Health Department and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Read Also - BMC Decides To Impose A Fine Of ₹1,000 For Citizens Caught Without A Face Mask

The Centre had previously capped the prices of a 3-ply mask at Rs 10 while a 2-ply mask was priced at Rs 8. Further, a standard 200ml bottle of hand sanitizer couldn’t exceed Rs 100 in price as per the restrictions set in place, though the rules were only valid until June 30.

It goes without saying that masks are an essential part of reopening the economy and ultimately curb the spread of the virus. Doctors and experts in the field of epidemiology believe that the best way to counter the coronavirus pandemic is to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between strangers and wear a suitable protective mask at all times. As far as disposing of masks is concerned, the BMC recently asked Mumbaikars to dispose of their used face masks in newspapers

Though local pharmacies sell masks in large quantities owing to the demand, there’s no real price control imposed by the authorities. It will be interesting to see how the civic body and the State will counter this collectively as part of the new price capping measure.

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