WHO warns on global shortage of face masks

Amaravati: In an advisory, the World Health Organization has suggested all the governments to produce at least an extra 40 per cent face masks. The WHO explained that the shortage of masks endangered even health workers across the globe. On the other hand, the medical shops in the state have already started exploiting people by selling the masks at high prices.

In its communication, "The WHO warned that severe and mounting disruption to the global supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) – caused by rising demand, panic buying, hoarding and misuse – is putting lives at risk from the new coronavirus and other infectious diseases".

Meanwhile, the State Drug inspectors under the control of DG Drugs have raided 254 medical shops on Thursday and a case is booked on Sri Maurya Medicals, Ongole for selling 2 ply face masks for Rs.30 as against MRP of Rs.20. Similar raids will continue in coming days, the government informed in a press release. Strict action will be taken including cancellation of license of any medical shop that is caught selling medicines or masks at the higher price, warned DG Drugs.

The government further added that Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs) available with major manufacturers are sufficient for their production till the end of April. Sufficient stocks of face masks are available in the state, it claimed in its press statement.

The government is maintaining a stock of 1,10,340 face masks and 12,444 body masks for ready usage in the hospitals, informed the Dy Chief Minister (Health, Medical and Family Welfare) Alla Nani.

On the other hand, the state government in its latest bulletin on Thursday at 8.30 pm informed that "13 passengers are in hospital admission and are stable. Total samples collected till date are 24, of which 11 samples tested Negative for COVID-19, result awaited for 13 samples".

The state government further explained that so far a total of 361 passengers from COVID-19 affected countries have been identified and placed under surveillance. 130 people are under home isolation and 218 people completed the 28 days observation period.