Nghe An will strictly handle stores that do not list and 'inflate' mask prices

On the morning of February 1, Market Management Team No. 3 - Nghe An Market Management Department coordinated with Nghe An Department of Health Inspectorate to inspect the business and sale of medical masks and hygiene and disinfection equipment at pharmacies in Vinh City.

Previously, on January 31, this item became hot in price when there was information that Nghe An had a patient suspected of being infected with Corona virus and was quarantined.

Market Management Team No. 3 coordinated with the Department of Health inspectors to inspect the business and trade of medical masks in Vinh City on the morning of February 1. Photo: Quang An

The inspection process showed that most pharmacies in Vinh City were "out of stock" of medical masks on the morning of February 1. Some pharmacies only had a small quantity left, only selling retail to people, not by the box. However, according to the reporter's observation, no pharmacy had a price list of medical masks according to regulations.

When asked about this issue, the owners of pharmacies in Vinh City all explained that because there were too many customers, they "didn't pay attention" to the price list, while others explained that because they ran out of stock, they had removed the price list....

Pharmacies in Vinh City are currently "out of stock" of medical masks. Photo: Quang An

After the inspection, the authorities requested pharmacies in Vinh City to sign a commitment not to speculate or hoard goods for profit, not to increase prices, and to clearly list prices of medical masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, etc. to serve the needs of the people.

After the reminder and signing of the commitment, the functional forces with the core being market management officers, health inspectors, and local police will conduct inspections of the business and trading of these items. Any stores or pharmacies that violate the price or hoard goods will be strictly handled according to the provisions of the law.

Business owners sign a commitment not to hoard goods, sell at the right price and list the prices of medical masks and cleaning and disinfection equipment. Photo: Quang An

Previously, on January 31, the General Department of Market Management issued Official Dispatch No. 149/TCQLTT-CNV to provinces and cities on strengthening the prevention of the Corona epidemic, requesting the Market Management Departments of provinces and centrally-run cities to direct Market Management teams to strengthen management work by area to promptly detect and handle acts of taking advantage of the scarcity of goods in the market to buy up, collect goods or take advantage of the epidemic to set unreasonable prices for goods that are medical equipment, health protection used to prevent and treat diseases when the market has fluctuations in supply and demand, and prices of goods due to the Corona virus epidemic. In case the above acts are found to have signs of crime, they must be immediately transferred to competent authorities for handling according to the provisions of law.

People rushed to buy medical masks. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of the Price Management Department (Ministry of Finance) said that face masks are not subject to price stabilization and management, but according to Decree No. 109/2013, this item must have its price listed. Failure to list prices or listing and increasing prices will result in a fine of 10 - 15 million VND and refunds to consumers. Market management and financial inspection are the agencies responsible for inspection and penalties.