The cost of face masks was quite high during the early days of the Covid-19 outbreak. I remember refusing to buy simple surgical masks for Rs30 each and one N95 mask for Rs700. However, I know people who bought these masks at such exorbitant prices. I don’t know where the state’s price control machinery was in those days. The prices have come down quite a lot, but they are still quite high. I think the last N95 that I bought was priced above Rs200. A few days back, I met someone who showed me pulse oximetre that he had bought for personal use. The device cost less than Rs2000. The same device is available in markets for more than Rs4000. A few days back, shops sold the device for Rs6000.
Also, he had managed to import N95 masks each of which cost him Rs16. These same masks are being sold over Rs200. Does the government know that profiteers are selling these essential items at such high prices? Shouldn’t there be proper checks and balances to ensure that all items are available at affordable prices? School-going children would need masks to go to their schools. If these masks continue to be sold at such high prices, parents will be unable to afford them. The relevant authorities need to look into this matter as it cannot go on for too long.
Irfan U Khattak
Abbottabad
Rising inflation not only affects the purchasing power of consumers but also undermines overall economic stability. It...
The climate change situation in Pakistan is a huge problem for the entire nation. Even though it is among the...
Karachi residents living along or near University Road, are facing many difficulties due to the construction of the...
This letter refers to the news report ‘Events like Ambani's wedding should also be held in Pakistan: Sindh...
The strength of a nation is crucial for its prosperity and stability. A strong nation is not only economically stable...
The month of February saw yet another controversial general election in Pakistan. A great number of allegations of...