Black marketing of N95 masks in Jammu

Bs_logoImage
Press Trust of India Jammu
Last Updated : Feb 25 2015 | 6:30 PM IST
In the wake of increase in the demand of N95 masks following the spread of the H1N1 virus in Jammu and Kashmir, various chemists across the state have reportedly been selling the masks at exorbitant price.
"The administration seems to be sleeping while the common people are being fleeced. A simple N95 mask whose cost is below Rs 100 per piece is being sold between Rs 300 to 500 per piece" a doctor at the Government medical college hospital said, requesting anonymity.
He alleged that several chemists across Jammu city have stocked the masks and created a virtual scarcity, and selling at exorbitant rates.
"The chemist first said that they don't have the mask, then he told me that he has one piece left and sold the same to me at Rs 350, I had to but it for my wife who is scared to go to her office fearing the disease," said Vikram Mehta, a resident of Gandhi Nagar locality.
The health authorities in Jammu said they too have received complaints that several chemists were selling the masks at exorbitant price.
"We too have received reports of the black-marketing of the masks by many chemists, we have requested the department of food and drug control to conduct raids on the accused chemists," Baljeet Pathania, Director Health Service Jammu told PTI.

You’ve reached your limit of 5 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories

  • Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 25 2015 | 6:30 PM IST

3 out of 5 articles left

Subscribe for unlimited access
Subscribe Now