Coronavirus outbreak: Centre warns masks, hand sanitizers manufacturers for non-compliance of order
In the wake of Coronavirus outbreak, the government on March 13 had declared face masks and hand sanitisers as essential commodities. The Centre has asked the manufacturers to submit the details within 24 hours, latest by 6 pm on March 18.
It may be noted that in the wake of coronavirus outbreak, the government on March 13 had declared face masks and hand sanitisers as essential commodities for the next 100 days as a step to increase the supply chain and curtail black marketing of these items to combat the spread of the virus.
A memorandum has been issued by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, which says: “Very few manufacturers and importers have submitted the requisite information pertaining to hand sanitisers, surgical gloves and mask information in the prescribed format.”
A legal notice has been issued for companies concerned that non-compliance of the orders issued by this office would attract penal provisions of DPCO, 2013 and Essential Commodities Act, 1995 which may lead to search and seizure and even prosecution for defaulting companies.”
All the Manufacturers have to submit the details within 24 hours, latest by 6 PM on March 18, failing which the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) would be constrained to initiate the appropriate coercive action-As per the centre notice.
Disaster Management Act is also been invoked by the government to ensure price regulation and availability of surgical and protective masks, hand sanitiser and gloves. Both masks (2 ply and 3 ply surgical masks, N95 masks) and hand sanitisers have been brought under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, empowering States to regulate production, distribution and price control and to prevent black marketing.