Pharmacies, drug firms asked not to exploit MERS fears

Chambers of commerce across the country have urged pharmaceutical companies, private pharmacies and manufacturers not to exploit public fear of the coronavirus by increasing the prices of their products.
The call came after the price of masks and disinfectants increased by almost 100 percent.
“Taking advantage of the rampant fear of a deadly virus to hike prices of what people now consider essential commodities contradicts our religious and moral values,” said Saleh Kamel, chairman of the board of directors at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCC).
“Merchants must instead join in government efforts to curb the spread of the virus,” he said. “This is a monumental task that requires cooperation across the board.”
Sami Abdulkarim, vice chairman of the board and chairman of the medical committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), also reiterated calls to pharmaceutical companies not to exploit public vulnerability.
“We request that private health facilities collaborate and engage constructively with the Health Ministry to tackle emergency situations,” he said.
Abdulkarim also expressed his appreciation to the Health Ministry for the measures undertaken to control the disease.
“I urge the medical community and the media to disseminate accurate information about the virus without exaggerating or underplaying the facts,” he said.
“The medical committee at the RCCI will organize a series of lectures to increase awareness about the virus. The committee is working in coordination with private sector health facilities to ensure their commitment to Health Ministry plans in combating the virus.”
The price of the medical masks and sterilizers increased significantly over the past month due to a huge rise in demand.
Alaa Abu Riah, a pharmacist in Jeddah, said that the prices of medical masks rose from SR5 to SR9 and sometimes even SR11.
“A new type of mask called the ‘AN95’ is being sold at around SR9 or SR10,” he said.
The price of sterilizers also increased by up to 40 percent, while the price of disinfectants rose by 10 to 15 percent.
Vegetable markets have also witnessed a noticeable increase in the price of garlic due to speculation that garlic helps strengthen the immune system.
One vendor said garlic prices increased from from SR25 to SR30 per carton.
“I expect a further increase in coming days,” he said.