Sri Lankan government has banned the export or re-export of disposable surgical face masks and N-95 type face masks without the prior written approval of National Medicines Regulatory Authority as the country is facing a shortage of face masks amidst the ever increasing corona virus outbreak, Health Ministry announced. .
An extraordinary gazette notification has been issued, prohibiting export or re-export of disposable surgical face masks and N-95 type face masks without the prior written approval of National Medicines Regulatory Authority.
The gazette, signed by Minister of Health and Indigenous Medical Services Pavithra Wanniarachchi, was published yesterday (16).
Meanwhile Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Rs 50.00 has been declared for disposable surgical face masks and an MRP of Rs 325.00 for N-95 type face masks.
The Government assured that it will take measures to increase the supply of face masks in the country.
The Health Ministry said it had requested 3 face mask produces in Sri Lanka to increase their supply.
However, Authorities noted that raw materials used in the production of face masks were imported from China.
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said the government was also looking at prospective suppliers who could bring down face masks.
Sri Lanka is currently facing a shortage of face masks due to high demand on an impending coronavirus outbreak.
The level of fear psychosis is both unwarranted and unprecedented, promoting many to wear surgical masks which is not necessary,” National Institute of Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) Director Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said.
He advised that ordinary healthy citizens should not wear the surgical masks and it should only be worn by individuals who are in ill health with a contagious sickness.
He said, “that they have also noticed that the manner the surgical mask is worn is also improper.
People can be seen touching their face and mouth even when the surgical mask is worn which defeats the purpose of the mask in itself. The improper use will not help keep any sickness at bay, he added.
(LI)