DRAP to issue fast track license for face masks manufacturers, amid coronavirus scare

• The face masks manufacturers will be provided licenses on an emergency basis.
• This move will ensure the supply of masks and protective items,

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has initiated fast track license registration for making face masks, it was learnt here on Friday.

The initiative comes under the direction of Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on health Dr Zafar Mirza, after two cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Pakistan on Wednesday.

As per reports, the manufacturers of face masks will be provided licenses on an emergency basis. This move will ensure the supply of masks and protective items, after markets were suffering from serious dearth of face masks amid rising demand, which lead to its prices getting increases.

The prices of disposable surgical masks and other protective equipment in the markets selling at the exorbitant rates after two cases of coronavirus confirmed by the government.

Business Recorder has learnt that a box of disposable surgical masks, which used to be sold at Rs 80-90, is now being sold at Rs 1,700 to Rs 2,000, while N-95, which was easily available for Rs 70, is now being sold for between 750 and 800 rupees, in the market.

Furthermore, license will be issued to companies that want to make medical devices. Spokesperson for Ministry of Health Services said that the Authority is also ensuring availability of masks and other protective items in this regard.

The Spokesperson said companies have been directed to ensure provision of masks in the market at the prices fixed in December last year. The official informed that new stock of masks is also being provided in markets.

The deadly virus originated in China some three weeks ago and has killed over 2,000 people. The virus also spread to many other countries, including Iran, Italy, Brazil and Spain.