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Local companies cashing in on mask vacuum
View(s):The increased demand for face masks with people returning to workplaces after a near two month stay at home due to COVID-19, has opened up new markets and business ventures for local face mask producers.
While pharmacies are facing shortages, once again, as it happened when COVID first made its appearance, some local companies are cashing in on this vacuum by making their own products and even offering a delivery service.
Although some companies advertise their products claiming they will be sold at a retail price that includes delivery charges, extra amount is being added, on delivery it has been learned.
While a 3ply disposable surgical face mask is advertised at Rs 75, a one time washable mask is sold for Rs 50 and the tie-on one at Rs 60.
In addition, some companies advertise surgical gloves at Rs 50 a pair. If bulk purchases are made a pair of gloves is sold Rs 40 a pair.
Even hand sanitisers are being sold at high prices– a 100ml bottle at Rs 330 and a 500ml bottle at Rs 1,300. One sales company says home deliveries will be done if customers agree to pay a delivery charge.
An advertising company has publicised that it would provide branded N-95 face masks along with the company logo.
Another company is advertising locally manufactured visor-like face shields in plastic and cardboard which can be donned with or without face masks.
A spokesman for the company said they are delivering face covering devices (face screens) in mass scale.
He claimed the face screens were being made in accordance to World Health Organisation specifications. A disposable face shield is sold at Rs. 95.
Meanwhile Colombo North MOH Dr Sasanka P Ranasinghe said local face mask manufacturers must be allowed to sell their face masks to reduce the shortage. However he added that the Health Ministry and the The Consumer Affairs Authority’s (CAA) should maintain a standard as well as introduce a control price on these masks.
CAA Deputy Director Asela Bandara said although earlier health authorities imposed a price control on face masks, it was later removed as merchants created shortages by hiding stocks.