NEW DELHI: The central government has banned the export of surgical face masks, the textile material that goes into making the masks and covers along with ventilators and respirators as it seeks to ensure adequate supply of the critical materials at a time when the coronavirus count is rising in the country.
The availability of these masks has become difficult with sellers accusing raw material suppliers of raising prices, resulting in higher cost for the consumer. In any case, there has been panic buying of these masks despite repeated assurances from the government that there is no need to sport them unnecessarily.
Behind Imposing ban on export of the material used for making the masks, government is trying to increase more supplies available in the domestic market and rein in prices.
Similarly, in case of ventilators, there is rise in the demand globally with the UK asking companies such as Rolls Royce, Ford and other car companies to manufacture the critical care equipment that assists in breathing.
Since India imports a large part of its requirements, the government wants to ensure that domestic manufacturers do not export whatever supplies are available in the country.
