Pharmacy in Nghe An fined over 30 million VND for increasing mask prices

Previously, many people in Dien Chau town reported that Nga Thang pharmacy located in Block 4, Dien Chau town was selling medical masks at prices many times higher than the normal price. Dien Chau district authorities have verified and inspected this pharmacy.

Nga Thang Pharmacy in Dien Chau town. Photo: QA

The inspection showed that the pharmacy had sold more than 30 boxes of masks (50 pieces/box) to people at a price of 135,000 VND/box, while the average price was only 40,000 - 50,000 VND/box. The illegal profit from the mask price increase was 2,660,000 VND.

On February 10, the People's Committee of Dien Chau district issued Decision No. 396/QD-XPVPHC on administrative sanctions against Ms. Pham Thi Nga, owner of Nga Thang pharmacy in Block 4, Dien Chau town, for taking advantage of the Corona virus epidemic to set prices and buy and sell goods and services unreasonably (medical masks).

Penalty decision of Dien Chau District People's Committee.

In addition to the fine of VND 30,000,000, the pharmacy owner must pay to the state budget VND 2,660,000 in profits from selling unreasonable goods and services.

Authorities inspect businesses selling masks, hand sanitizers, etc. in Nghe An province. Photo: QA

The People's Committee of Dien Chau district has also directed forces to inspect and review 31 establishments selling medical masks and disinfectants in the district. In addition to propaganda and reminders, the district has required shop owners to sign a commitment not to sell unreasonable goods, to list prices and sell at listed prices, to have clear origin of purchased goods, and not to take advantage of the epidemic to speculate and hoard goods.