COVID-19: States Advised To Monitor Availability & Distribution Of Drugs, Masks, Sanitizers

Bhubaneswar: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has directed all states and union territories (UTs) to monitor the availability and distribution of drugs, masks, gloves and sanitizers in wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

In a letter to the chief secretaries of states and UTs, NPPA chairperson Shubhra Singh said various state governments and UTs are facing problems in placing orders for masks, gloves and sanitizers due to non-availability of details of manufacturers of these items.

Therefore, steps have to be taken to resolve the issues relating to the movement of stock and manpower on priority basis to ensue uninterrupted production and supply of medicines and medical devices in the country, Singh wrote on Saturday.

He also requested the chief secretaries to direct the respective district administrations to coordinate with the manufacturers, distributors and chemist associations to ensure seamless availability of drugs, masks, gloves and sanitizers.