NONTHABURI, March 2 (TNA) — The chief of the Internal Trade Department insisted that there were enough supplies of medical masks and people should not be panicked into buying the products amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) concerns.
Whichai Phochanakij, director-general of the department, said local factories could produce 1.35 million masks a day but shortages happened because of panicking buyers.
Of the daily supplies, 600,000 masks went to the Commerce Ministry and the Public Health Ministry, he said. Of the portion, 350,000 masks are given to medical personnel through hospitals and the Government Pharmaceutical Organization.
The Internal Trade Department receives 250,000 masks and distributes them through drug stores, Thai Airways International, Blue-Flag stores, 7-Eleven stores, Big C stores and Tesco Lotus stores. Each consumer can buy 1 pack of 4 masks at 2.50 baht per mask or 10 baht per pack.
Manufacturers are allowed to distribute the rest 750,000 masks. Mr Whichai said his department might have to supervise their distribution in response to complaints about inadequate distribution.
The Commerce Ministry would discuss the issue with manufacturers. If shortages continued, it might have to manage the distribution of the 750,000-mask portion, he said. The portion included masks for private hospitals.
The Commerce Ministry was sourcing more raw materials for medical mask production and already asked local factories to produce masks around the clock every day, he said.
Consumers were a key factor for adequate mask supply. “Please do not be panicked into buying masks. Buy only a necessary quantity. Please do not hoard them up,” Mr Whichai said. (TNA)
