Kerala Govt. Invokes 'Essential Articles Control Act' To Control Prices Of Items Essential To Treat COVID

In a significant move, days after the Government capped the rates for COVID-19 treatment in private hospitals, the Kerala Government on Friday (May 14) fixed the prices of Essential Articles which are generally used in the fight against COVID

This move of the Government aims to check Black Marketing and Profiteering and the decision has been taken in view of the increasing number of COVID cases all over the country. The move is in conformity with the Government of India's direction to the state government to take necessary steps to ensure the availability of medical items to the common men at fair prices.

"Kerala Essential Articles Control Act, 1986 is being invoked to control prices of articles required for treating COVID19", tweeted Chief Minister's Office.

The Health and Family Welfare Department forwarded a proposal for fixing the price of the following medical items and also requested to declare the same as essential articles under the provision of the Kerala Essential Articles Control Act, 1986. Such items are:

PPE Kits ₹273

N95 Mask ₹22

Triple Layer Mask ₹3.90

Face Shield ₹21

Disposable Apron ₹12

Surgical Gown ₹65

Inspection Gloves ₹5.75

Hand Sanitiser ₹192 (500 ml), ₹98 (200 ml), ₹55 (100 ml)

Sterile Gloves ₹15 (pair)

NRB Mask ₹80

Oxygen Mask ₹54

Flow Meter with Humidifier ₹1520

Pulse Oximeter ₹1500

Yesterday, CM Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted that Lockdown was being extended in the state till 23 May and the Triple lockdown in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram was being imposed. Further, the Government will give Free food kits in June too.

Kerala Govt. decides to extended #Lockdown till 23 May, tweets CM @vijayanpinarayi.

Free food kits in June too. ₹823.23Cr will be distributed as Welfare Pensions in May.

Financial assistance of ₹1,000 for all members of Welfare Boards.@CMOKerala @KeralaGovernor pic.twitter.com/meHRref9Eh

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 14, 2021

₹823.23Cr will be distributed as Welfare Pensions in May and Financial assistance of ₹1,000 for all members of Welfare Boards.