Profiteering in Karachi: Making the most of the coronavirus panic

Amid a shortage of surgical masks in the country, some pharmacies in the city have more than tripled the price

KARACHI: As China continues its battle to contain the highly contagious COVID-19 virus, Pakistan has been assisting the former by sourcing medical supplies it desperately needs. In particular, Pakistan has not only stopped its usual practice of importing surgical masks from China, it has gone a step further by sending its own stock of the crucial preventative item to its northern neighbour.

Understandably, the move has created a shortage of surgical masks back home. But with coronavirus hysteria simmering even among Pakistanis, who up till now have been spared by the contagion, some pharmacies it appears have sniffed a price-gouging opportunity.

Generally, a box of surgical masks costs around Rs200 - or that at least was the case until December. A visit to some pharmacies in Karachi revealed that they were last priced at Rs700 before they became unavailable. Although the masks appear still be sold in ‘black’, their price has risen even higher in the shadow economy to Rs1,000 per box.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, wholesalers in the city said the situation was prompted by the temporary ban on the supply of surgical masks to the local market.

'No coronavirus case reported in Pakistan'

A representative from Naheed Supermarket pharmacy confirmed the shortage of surgical masks in the local markets.” If and where available, they have doubled the actual price, with lower quality.”

Another pharmacist, from Time Medicos, said, “Surgical masks are available in our shop but there is an increase in the price, as buyers have increased.”

According to sources, some leading hospitals’ pharmacies are facing a similar problem with the supply of surgical masks and other medical items.

To make the most of the shortage and public fears about COVID-19, some local companies have introduced cloth masks in the market for as low as Rs50. According to medical experts, however, these are nearly useless if one is to prevent the spread of this contagion.

Asked about the use of masks, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre emergency CMO Dr Vikash Talib said, “We are recommending that patients wear surgical masks as a precautionary measure, although the N95 mask is more effective as it protects the patients from breathing in small particles in the air.”

Meanwhile, Dr Hassan Siddique from Habib Medical Centre said, “The disposable surgical masks are not really effective compared to N95 masks, but due to the outbreak of coronavirus the prices have increased by 2.6 per cent.”

N95 masks are designed to prevent 95 per cent of small particles from entering the nose and mouth, although they achieve this by making breathing slightly difficult. In contrast, surgical masks do not fit a user’s face tightly, allowing some particles to pass along its edges. They are also only effective for a limited number of hours and need to be changed regularly.

Pakistani traders face 'huge losses' due to coronavirus outbreak

COVID-19 has so far killed close to 1,400 people in China and has infected tens of thousands of others. The virus can be transmitted via droplets when an infected person breathes out, coughs or sneezes. Doctors in China have recommended the use of surgical masks for people with symptoms of the virus.

The Government of Pakistan, to prevent any outbreak at home, has issued standard operating procedures for all airports. In Sindh, the Directorate General Health Services has deployed a separate emergency ambulance with medics and paramedic staff to respond to any coronavirus emergency in the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18^th, 2020.