RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The prices of disposable surgical masks and other protective equipment in the markets selling at the exorbitant rates after two cases of coronavirus confirmed by the government.

Business Recorder has learnt that a box of disposable surgical masks, which used to be sold at Rs 80-90, is now being sold at Rs 1,700 to Rs 2,000, while N-95, which was easily available for Rs 70, is now being sold for between 750 and 800 rupees, in the market.

Sources blamed the provincial drug officials for creating an artificial shortage and increase in the prices of personal protective equipment.

In spite of that, an official of the Sindh Health Department claimed that government is monitoring prices of masks and medicines in the market.