Govt Bans Exports Of Masks And Ventilator Machines Amid Coronavirus Spread

The government on Thursday prohibited the export of surgical masks, ventilators and also textiles used to make masks. This is in response to a shortage in the country that has risen on account of panic buying. Ventilators are used in hospitals for critical care. Export-ers who have delivery commit-ments would face a challenge.

An industry insider said, “There is not a lot demand for export of ventilators, but I had received urgent delivery requests from Italy , Israel and Serbia. We had directed them to contact the seven identif-ied Indian manufacturers who had over 50 per cent spare capacity but this will put a roadblock to the potential export orders."

Given the supply disruption, the national pricing regulator has sought data from firms on produ-ction and distribution.