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LHC orders health dept to take steps to control prices of surgical masks

LHC orders health dept to take steps to control prices of surgical masks
March 4, 2020
LAHORE (92 News) – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday ordered the provincial health department to take steps to control hike in prices of surgical masks. Chief Justice Mamoon Rashid Sheikh issued a written interim order over a plea seeking control on rapid hike in rates of surgical masks after coronavirus cases in Pakistan. The Punjab government and other concerned departments were made respondents in the petition. The LHC order order sought reports from the federal and Punjab government over shortage of masks and skyrocketing hike in prices. The court directed the government to ensure sale of surgical masks on cheaper rates. “It will be highly appreciable if these masks provided to people free of cost.” Earlier, profiteers have increased the prices of surgical masks manifold after the fears of the spread of coronavirus. In all big cities, including Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore, masks have become a rare item. The price of a packet, which was hardly available for Rs200, has reached Rs1,600. The wholesale traders have stopped the supply, causing an artificial shortage of masks in the market. Citizens have appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan to take notice of the situation. On the other hand, an application has been filed in the Lahore High Court against the increase in the mask prices.