Egyptian Govt Denies Raising Masks, Disinfectants' Prices

The Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply and Technology Management (AUPP) denied  on Wednesday rumors concerning a hike in the prices of masks and disinfectants, coinciding with the second wave of the coronavirus.

The Cabinet Media Center contacted the AUPP, which denied the news, confirming a drop in the prices of masks and disinfectants, according to a statement issued by the Cabinet today.

The authority confirmed a drop in the prices of medical supplies, including masks and medical alcohol, compared to their prices during the first wave of the virus, coinciding with the increase in new production lines  and thus supply, with the availability of a strategic stock sufficient for the citizens' needs for the next several months.

The authority indicated that it continues to carry out periodic inspection campaigns on pharmacies and markets, to prevent any price tampering.

The AUPP said that there are about 180 production lines, with a production capacity of about 50 thousand masks per line, equivalent to about 9 million masks per day, and a number of measures have been taken that contributed to the decrease in the prices of masks, such as opening imports and new factories for manufacturing masks.

Besides, the Ministry of Supply pumped fabric masks, which also contributed to the increase in supply, according to the statement.