‘Section 144 needed to curb shortage of medical oxygen'

LAHORE: Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department has recommended imposition of section 144 to curb artificial shortage of oxygen-related medical equipment including cylinders and profiteering from medical supplies in the province.

A notification in this regard will soon be issued by the provincial home department.

According to department officials, the price of oxygen cylinders and other essential medical devices has been increased by 50% to 100%. In this regard, a summary had been sent to the provincial home department by the healthcare authorities, as per which supply of emergency oxygen cylinders and related medical devices must be controlled as these supplies were extremely important for the people affected by coronavirus.

The summary had been sent by Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Secretary Muhammad Usman, in light of the recommendations of the provincial health department to stop profiteering.  As per the summary, the prices of medical supplies fixed by the provincial government were not being implemented as hoarders had become active and increasing the prices constantly.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2020.