Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai (SD)

Dubai, Apr 2: Authorities have penalized nine pharmacies and two pharmaceuticals for inflating prices of face masks in the emirate.

The fine was levied for taking undue advantage of the demand for hygiene products amid coronavirus scare.

The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy followed up complaints given by consumer and imposed fines on the two suppliers and nine retailers. Masks were found to be sold at inflated prices by the accused pharmacies located in Jumeirah, Al Wasl, Naif, Ibn Batuta Mall of the Emirates, Al Khawaneej, and Mirdif. The CCCP tracked down the suppliers and found them to have distributed masks to the pharmacies at a high rate and subsequently fined them.

It has been said that repeating of such an offence would lead to double the fine or closure of the business itself. The Dubai Economy has requested all health care suppliers to take this as a social responsibility and reduce the prices of essential healthcare products with regard to the current situation.

To accelerate communication with the consumers Dubai Economy has launched a web portal Price.ded.ae for consumers to clarify queries the prices of essential goods and to raise complaints.