Govt warns stern actions against traders who raise face mask price: Nausheen Hamid.

ISLAMABAD -- Parliamentary Secretary, National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Nausheen Hamid Sunday said government was taking serious notice of high increase in prices of face masks.

She said the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has started crackdown on those involved in price hike of the protective gears.

Talking to PTV news, Hamid said authorities are cracking down on profiteers, following complaints that some businesses and individuals have been selling face masks for grossly inflated prices amid a surge in demand.

She said Pharmacies are taking advantage of the current situation. Many are claiming that they have run out of stocks of masks but government warns pharmacies against hiking prices of face masks.

DRAP has urged all customers to report cases if they come across hiked prices for face masks.

She said DRAP's task force would conduct different market surveys for the determination of overpricing.

Serious action should also be taken against owners of some medical stores who were involved in the unauthorized increase in prices of protective gears against corona virus, she added.

She mentioned a government helpline has also been set up in Pakistan to address questions related to coronavirus, adding , around 11,000 calls were received through this helpline number yet.

Masses have been urged to report on helpline, if they or anyone...