Pharmacy in Riffa shut down for violating consumer protection laws

TDT | Manama

A pharmacy in Riffa was shut down last night for violating consumer protection laws. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism closed the store after it was found to have raised the prices of sanitisers without official authorisation in an effort to take advantage of the current situation relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The Ministry said that the pharmacy was selling the disinfectant in a container of 250ml in volume at a price that was 81 per cent higher than the regular cost. Meanwhile, the price of the same product in a larger volume of 500ml was hiked by 105 per cent of the original cost.

The Ministry slammed the greedy hiking of prices as an irresponsible and unacceptable act. It had stated recently that such actions would be addressed with zero tolerance, especially at a time when such goods are necessary and are in great demand as the public tries to maintain its health and safety amidst the COVID-19 fight.

The Ministry asserted that it is proceeding with its inspection plans to ensure the full compliance of pharmacies, shops, markets and various outlets with regular prices of all kinds of essential goods.

The Ministry will take all legal measures to deter violators. The Ministry calls on all stores, before offering any commodity, to take into account a reasonable profit margin and not exaggerate prices, in order to serve the public interest.