Scarcity virus hits lifesaving masks in Ahmedabad

The price of surgical masks that offer a measure of protection against the H1N1 virus doubled, just hours after Ahmedabad reported the first death caused by the swine flu in the state.

Pharmacists in the city say that panic-driven demand has outstripped supply, dismaying people who are willing to pay almost three times the normal price of the mask, N 95, recommended by the World Health Organisation.

The tissue masks available in the market are apparently not effective against the H1N1 virus. “It is advisable to obtain the surgical mask N95,” said Ashok Patel, a pharmacist at Paras Medical Store on the Civil hospital campus. “We sold the masks for Rs80. Now, they are not available even at Rs200 per piece.” He said a new lot of masks was expected by Monday, though the price was not known.

It is reported that some Amdavadis are buying the masks for their relatives in Pune, which had registered the first death in India caused by the H1N1 virus.