Govt authorises local firms to distribute subsidised face masks

Ministry of Industry and Commerce has given the go-ahead for the Viengthong Pharma and CBF Pharma companies to distribute affordable face masks in Vientiane and several provinces as demand for face masks is rising in recent days amid Coronavirus outbreak.
The public has complained about masks being sold at unreasonably high price, from 160,000 kip to 200,000 kip for a box of 50, mostly through online sale.

A booth selling masks in the capital on Tuesday. –Photo Viengthong Pharma Company

Consequently, a total of 5,000 boxes are being distributed equally by Viengthong Pharma Company and CBF Pharma Company and authorities have set a price ceiling of 50,000 kip a box or 1,500 kip per piece, according to the ministry’s announcement on March 31.
Customers will be limited to one box per person, and they will have to show their ID card or family record book.
The face masks went on sale on Tuesday and generated a lot of interest from local consumers.
Under the arrangements, Viengthong Pharma Company is responsible for supply in the capital along with Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Bokeo and Phongsaly provinces, while CBF Pharma company is handling Vientiane (1,300 boxes) as well as Savannakhet (300 boxes) and Champassak provinces (900 boxes).
The announcement also urged the public to call the hotline number 1510 if anyone is selling the masks for more than 50,000 kip a box.

By Viengdavanh Banphahaksa
(Latest Update April 1, 2020)