Govt bans exports of masks and ventilator machines amid coronavirus spread

Exporters who have delivery commitments would face a challenge as a result

The government on Thursday prohibited the export of surgical masks, ventilators and also textiles used to make masks. This is in response to a shortage in the country that has risen on account of panic buying. Ventilators are used in hospitals for critical care. Export-ers who have delivery commit-ments would face a challenge.
 
An industry insider said, “There is not a lot demand for export of ventilators, but I had received urgent delivery requests from Italy , Israel and Serbia. We had directed them to contact the seven identif-ied Indian manufacturers who had over 50 per cent spare capacity but this will put a roadblock to the potential export orders."

 
Given the supply disruption, the national pricing regulator has sought data from firms on produ-ction and distribution.