Prices of surgical masks, rubbing alcohol, and other medical supplies in Iloilo are being closely monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Felisa Judith Degala, DTI-Iloilo officer-in-charge (OIC), said they have intensified their monitoring efforts to protect consumers against unscrupulous businesses.

The demand for surgical and N95 masks spiked after Iloilo recorded suspected cases of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

The DTI warned stores against taking advantage of the high demand.

Degala said those hoarding and selling overpriced face masks, sanitizers, and rubbing alchohol, among others, will be slapped with charges.

According to the DTI, prices of surgical masks range from P1.10 to P8 per piece while N95 may be bought at P45 to 105 per piece. 

Other medical supplies included in the monitoring list are the following:

-ethyl alcohol 70% solution 60ml – P17.25 to P25.50 per piece

-ethyl alcohol 70% solution 250ml – P 36.75 to P41.75 per piece

-ethyl alcohol 70% solution 500ml – P61 to P74. 25 per piefe

-sterile gloves 50 pairs/box – P295 to P450

-sterile gloves per pair – P18 to P21

-nebulizer – P1,495 to P3,980

-neb kit (adult) – P87 to P120

-neb kit (pedia) – P63 to P142

-oxygen cannula (adult) – P24 to P60

-oxygen cannula (pedia) – P 18.50 to P53

-oxygen cannula (neonatal) – P 24 to P50

Degala said that several drug stores and pharmacies in Iloilo have ran out of surgical masks.

In a press conference on Monday, Feb. 3, Dr. Jessie Glenn Alonsabe, head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health (DOH-6), advised the public to avoid panic-buying of surgical masks.

The regional epidemiologist stressed that surgical masks are “not for everyone.”

According to Alonsabe, those who should wear surgical masks are people experiencing flu symptoms such as cough and fever, the vulnerable segments of the population such as children and the elderly, those with preexisting medical conditions, and health workers.

“The best way to protect yourselves against nCoV is to observe proper hygiene such as frequent hand washing and cough etiquette,” he said.IMT