Hotline for Nghe An residents to report drugstore price increases for masks

Nghe An: Masks are 7 times more expensive but still 'sold out'

(Baonghean.vn) - Immediately after the news that Nghe An had a patient suspected of being infected with the Corona virus, the price of masks in Nghe An skyrocketed, with many places selling them at prices 5-7 times higher than before but still "sold out". Hand sanitizers also increased in price dramatically; vitamins that boost resistance were in high demand...

Accordingly, the Director of the Department of Health requested that businesses not take advantage of the epidemic to increase the prices of masks, medical supplies, and disinfectants. Speculation and hoarding of goods are strictly prohibited. The Health Departments of districts, cities, and towns are responsible for setting up teams to conduct surprise inspections at pharmacies.

If people discover that a pharmacy has increased its price, they should report it to the hotline. Photo: Tien Hung

Speaking with Nghe An Newspaper reporters, Associate Professor - Dr. Duong Dinh Chinh - Director of the Department of Health said that the Department also asked people to proactively collect evidence and provide timely information about drug and medical supplies businesses that take advantage of the epidemic situation to supply masks and medical supplies at higher prices than before the epidemic via the Department's hotline number 0966. 641.414.

"If people have evidence and pictures of any pharmacy that increases the price of medical masks compared to normal, without needing inspectors to come down to work, the Department of Health will immediately revoke the license and suspend the issuance of further licenses," said Mr. Chinh.

Previously, in recent days, taking advantage of the Corona epidemic situation, many pharmacies in Nghe An have competed to increase the price of masks. According to people's feedback, some pharmacies even increased the price 5 times higher than usual.