Nghe An 'exposes' 2 pharmacies taking advantage of the epidemic to increase mask prices

On the morning of February 2, a working delegation led by Director of the Department of Health, Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Dinh Chinh, inspected the supply of masks and other medical supplies related to the prevention of the nCoV epidemic.

During the inspection, Linh Chi 4 Pharmacy located at Kiosk 34-35 Vinh Railway Station Market, Le Loi Ward, Vinh City was found to be selling Luxury medical masks (2 pieces per pack) to customers for 30,000 VND. At the time of inspection, the facility did not have a business license issued by the Department of Health. The facility could only present a business license; it could not present invoices for importing masks and some other pharmaceutical products.

The Department of Health inspected Linh Chi 4 pharmacy in the Vinh Railway Station market area. Photo: Tu Thanh

The owner of the facility explained that due to shortage of goods, the import price was high so the price was high. Normally, the price was 10,000 VND. The working group proceeded to draw up a record requesting the facility to stop operating, invite them to the Department of Health for punishment, and revoke the license for this pharmacy.

Headquarters of Nhan Hoa Thanh Dat Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company.

At Nhan Hoa Thanh Dat Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company, No. 1 Cao Thang Street, Hong Son Ward, Vinh City, Vinh City Police discovered that this company was selling 1 box of antibacterial masks for 125,000 VND/box/50 pieces. On normal days, each box costs 50,000 VND. This store also sells Dr.DND 70ml hand sanitizer for 60,000 VND/bottle (the actual market price, according to the reporter, is 24,000 VND/bottle). Vinh City Police made a record and temporarily seized 2 boxes of masks and the money to buy the masks.

The working group of the Department of Health conducted an inspection of the relevant documents. At the same time, a record was made of the temporary seizure of the certificate of eligibility for pharmaceutical business number: 0072-17/ĐKKDD- NA and the Company Director was requested to return to the Department of Health for investigation and handling.

Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Dinh Chinh, Director of the Department of Health, said: implementing the direction of the Deputy Prime Minister, on February 1, the Department of Health issued a document to the People's Committees of districts, cities, towns and pharmaceutical companies and branches in the area, directing that they are not allowed to increase the price of masks, must keep the selling price unchanged, and at the same time set up a hotline of the Department to receive feedback from people... The Department of Health will strengthen inspection and strictly handle, revoke licenses for establishments that increase the selling price of medical masks and other medical supplies.