Frequently Asked Questions –

Q.1       What is COVID-19?

Ans.    COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered corona virus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Q.2      What is NPPA doing i.r.o. COVID-19?

Ans.    In this emerging and rapidly evolving situation to help people on Availability, Accessibility and Affordability of medicines, masks, and hand sanitizers, NPPA has set up a Control Room to receive the complaints on shortage, hoarding, profiteering, etc. NPPA make all out efforts to address the issue promptly by coordinating with the State authorities, manufacturers, marketers and their associations.

Q.3       Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19?

Ans.    No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus.  Hence antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics, or any other medicine for the matter, must not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19 without consultation and specific advice of a Doctor.

Q.4       What is the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Masks ?

Ans.    As per notification of 21^st March, 2020 issued by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the MRP of 2 Ply and 3 ply mask has been fixed as Rs. 8/- and Rs. 10/- each respectively.  Further, as per Gazette Notification dated 24^th March, 2020 the retail price of 3 ply surgical mask containing a layer of Melt Blown non-Woven Fabric shall not be more than Rs. 16/- per piece. These prices will remain in force for a period up to 30^th June, 2020.

Q.5      What is the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Hand Sanitizers ?

Ans.    As per notification of 21^st March, 2020 issued by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the rate of 200 ML pack of Sanitizer has been fixed at Rs. 100/-. The rates for packs of sanitizers other than 200 ml shall be in proportion the rate of the pack of 200 ml.  For example, MRP of 100 ml pack and 500 ml packs would be Rs.50 and Rs.250 each respectively.

Q. 6       Whether Herbal Sanitizers may be sold at higher rates than MRP?

Ans.    No. Any type of Sanitizers can’t be sold above MRP notified by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs vide notification dated 21^st March, 2020.

Q. 7       Unavailability of Masks and Sanitizers in the area?

Ans.    Local District Drug Control Office or Office of State Drug Controller/ Food and Drugs Administration or National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) may be informed in this regard.

Q. 8       Whether Masks/ Hand sanitizers produced before the notification of the Govt. dated 21st March may be sold at the printed MRP which is higher?

Ans.    The Masks/ Hand sanitizers can’t be sold at price higher than Price Notified by the Govt. of India vide notification dated 21^st March, 2020 and 24^th March, 2020.

Q.9       Higher rates of Masks and Sanitizers on the online shopping website?

Ans.    The complaint may be lodged at Ministry of Consumer Affairs Helpline no. 01123387449/ 01123097047.

Q.10       Raw Material suppliers of Hand Sanitizers are selling the same at the higher rates?

Ans.    As per Gazette Notification of India vide dated 19^th March, 2020, No manufacturer shall exceed the price of Alcohol, used in manufacturing of Hand Sanitizers as raw material, from the price prevailing on 05.03.2020 without the concurrence of the Central Government.

Q.11      Unable to produce sanitizer due to unavailability of Raw Material of Sanitizers in the Area?

Ans.    District Magistrate/ Commissioner Excise/ State drug Controller may be contacted to resolve the issue.

Q.12       Due to Lockdown in the City, the manufacture is unable to run the factory of Mask/ Sanitizers?

Ans.    District Magistrate of the City may be requested to issue passes/ facilitate provide movement for the employees to run the factory.