Ensure Covid meds not sold above MRP: Delhi HC

Delhi High Court on Sunday directed Delhi government to ensure that medicines, oxygen cylinders and medical equipment meant for the treatment of Covid-19 patients are not sold above the maximum retail price. The court also warned if anyone found either involved in selling the same above MRP or malpractices like hoarding will face contempt action.

In a special hearing on Sunday, Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli, ordered, “We direct the state to ensure that none of the equipment or medicines used in the treatment of Covid-19 disease are sold at prices above the MRP. Any person found indulging in malpractice of either hoarding the equipment or medicines or selling the same at prices above the MRP, shall be booked and brought to the notice of this court for initiating independent contempt action against all such people,” ordered the court.

Senior advocate Mehra, representing Delhi government, informed the court that Delhi Police had created a helpline number 23469900 where complaints regarding malpractice — such as overcharging by ambulances, fake Covid-19 medicines, black marketing/ hoarding of medicines, oxygen cylinders/ concentrators or other medical equipment, harassment at cremation grounds, etc., can be reported.

“We direct the GNCTD, and the commissioner of police to widely publicise the said helpline number in daily newspapers, and through other media channels,” the court directed.