National Consumer Protection Directorate Director General AHM Shafiquzzaman has said that there is an artificial scarcity and price hike in saline due to the surging number of dengue patients across Bangladesh.
In a meeting convened at the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection's headquarters in Kawran Bazar yesterday, Shafiquzzaman pointed out that pharmaceutical companies have the capacity to produce saline solutions continuously, rendering any supply crisis unnecessary. However, he pointed fingers at certain individuals who are disrupting the saline supply chain, resulting in inflated prices and an alarming scarcity.
The gathering brought together key stakeholders, including manufacturing companies, wholesalers, retailers, and officials from relevant authorities. Its primary objective was to address the critical issue of saline availability at reasonable prices.
Shafiquzzaman said: "Tomorrow (today), we will launch nationwide operations to tackle this crisis head-on. If any irregularities are detected, we will not hesitate to take appropriate action. Saline must not be sold above the maximum retail price indicated on the packaging."
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the price clearly marked on saline packaging, saying: "The maximum retail price is prominently displayed on the saline packaging, and it cannot be sold for even a single additional taka."
Highlighting the supply chain, he explained: "Pharmaceutical companies are the primary source of saline production, and it is no longer distributed via vans. Instead, it is supplied to pharmacies through a regulated distribution chain. The price must be strictly observed, and as long as there is stock, it should be sold at the specified price. Despite limited supply and high demand, the price must remain consistent. If consumers are deceived or extorted, it is our responsibility to take legal action against the offenders."
Shafiquzzaman also referenced a recent operation in Chittagong, where two shops were raided, prompting many individuals to flee. He said pharmacies should remain open during this campaign, as there is a critical need for saline.
"Many claim that saline is available in cartons inside the pharmacies," he added.
Meanwhile, 15 more deaths from dengue were reported in the 24-hour period until yesterday morning, pushing the death toll from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to a staggering 767 this year.
During this same timeframe, an additional 2,944 patients were hospitalized due to the viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of these new patients, 823 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka, while the remainder sought treatment outside the capital.
Currently, there are 9,988 dengue patients under medical care at hospitals across the country, with 4,137 of them in the capital city, Dhaka.
In total, the DGHS has recorded 157,172 dengue cases, with 146,417 individuals making a full recovery.
The first two weeks of September witnessed a surge in dengue-related fatalities, claiming the lives of 174 people across Bangladesh. During the same period, 33,336 dengue cases were reported.