Lowokwaru (malangkota.go.id) – In order to control the sale of masks and hand sanitizers In the Malang City area, the Malang City Government (Pemkot) held a coordination meeting regarding medical devices (Alkes) with pharmacy managers, medical device shops, hospitals and heads of health centers at the Melati Hall of the Malang City Health Service, Thursday (05/02/2020).
The Mayor of Malang, Drs. H. Sutiaji, who was present accompanied by the Deputy Mayor of Malang, Ir. H. Sofyan Edi Jarwoko and the Acting Head of the Malang City Health Office, Sri Winarni, gave directions at this coordination meeting.
Sutiaji emphasized that pharmacy managers play an active role in maintaining price stability, especially masks, and not hoarding them so that the availability of masks in Malang City remains stable, especially during an emergency due to the outbreak of the Corona virus this time. "I also hope that pharmacy managers will also explain who is required to use masks to consumers so that consumers are clear about the use of masks," he said.
The Mayor of Malang said that indeed out of 70 pharmacies only five were available and even then the number was limited and used for personal use. "The availability of masks is quite minimal, and maybe only in a few Puskesmas that still exist, and the needs of the community are indeed high at this time," he said.
Although there is still stock, the price is still high, so Sutiaji emphasized that the parties should not play, for example by hoarding and related to stock availability to price. This also applies to providers of medical devices, because if proven, they will be sanctioned.
If there are any findings of violations, Sutiaji said, the person concerned will be processed according to applicable law. Likewise for individuals, who may buy in large quantities and sell at high prices directly or online, and even sell abroad.
The Mayor of Malang also revealed that his party had received requests and complaints from workers abroad to send masks. "This will be a lever and become a shared homework. This scarcity indeed started from national constraints related to procurement and raw materials, most of which are from China. In addition, because of the pattern of public panic and this must be handled together," he explained.
"Let alone masks, the price of eggs and a number of basic necessities in the market are creeping up due to the public's need for masks being very high, so that it affects other sectors. We urge the public not to panic too much and not to swallow information raw, because the truth is not necessarily as conveyed," said Sutiaji.
If other areas have started distributing masks for free, he added, in Malang City, this is not the case, so as not to increase public panic. Of course, this will have another effect, namely as if this outbreak is very worrying. "Actually, for the needs in Malang City alone, the stock of masks is still sufficient, as long as there are no parties who play or are naughty," concluded Sutiaji. (say/hms/yon)
