Government of the Punjab, Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department issued an order regarding ban on hoarding of and profiteering on oxygen supplies and related devices.
The number of COVID-19 cases is on the rise in the Province of Punjab, positivity rate in some cities is constantly rising and third wave is looming, which poses a serious and imminent threat to public health. Hence, it is mandatory to take all possible safety measures for prevention and control of this disease in the Province of Punjab.
AND WHEREAS, malpractices/ hoarding have been observed by various suppliers/ venders of oxygen gas and related medical devices intended for intensive medical care due to which acute shortage of necessary medical equipment to cater needs of patient is being faced.
AND WHEREAS, in my opinion there are sufficient grounds to proceed under Section 4(c), 5(1)(e). 5(1)(f) of "The Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Act 2020" as an immediate preventive and expeditious remedy and the directions hereinafter appearing are necessary to ensure public safety and conserve lives in the Province of Punjab.
NOW THEREFORE, in exercise of powers under Sections 4(c), 5(1)(e). 50 () of "The Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Act 2020", I, Sarah Aslam, Secretary, Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, Government of the Punjab, with the approval of Chief Minister, Punjab, do hereby restrict the following action in the whole Province of Punjab:
"Hoarding of and profiteering on oxygen supplies and related medical devices (oxygen cylinder, oxygen regulator, oxygen concentrator, pulse oximeter and nasal cannula) intended for intensive medical care."
This order shall come into force immediately within territorial limits of Punjab and shall remain in force for two months unless modified otherwise.
This order shall be given wide publicity in official Gazette, Daily Newspapers and broadcasting through Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television and other TV Channels as news item for information of the general public.