BPKN Condemns Parties For Hoarding And Raising Prices Of Oxygen, Medicines, And Vitamins

DEPOK-The actions of some people who stockpile and increase the price of oxygen, medicines and vitamins cannot be justified. This has drawn criticism from the Chairman of the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) Rizal E. Halim. He also asked the police to take firm action against those who took advantage of the pandemic.

"If it is necessary and necessary, parties caught doing this dishonorable practice will be punished and their business licenses revoked," said Rizal E Halim in his statement in Jakarta, Saturday, July 10.

According to him, during the week of implementing the emergency PPKM, many parties, ranging from manufacturers, distributors and retailers (drug stores and pharmacies) were suspected of increasing the price of oxygen, medicines and vitamins for handling COVID-19.

Rizal said that people who experience price spikes at drug stores, pharmacies or through e-commerce platforms, immediately report them with a photo of the receipt and the identity of the store or platform.

"BPKN opens an online public complaint channel which will be forwarded to the joint officers and the nearest police force," he said.

In accordance with the direction of the Head of KPC-PEN Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto who asked all relevant Ministries/Institutions to work together in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. This is needed at the same time to give a cushion to the acceleration of the national economic recovery.

Rizal also hopes that industry associations and other stakeholders will help and support government programs in suppressing the spread of COVID-19. Rizal also asked BPOM to be more optimal in monitoring and monitoring the circulation of drugs, vitamins and oxygen.

In addition, related Ministries and Institutions also need to increase their active contribution so that the emergency PPKM program runs smoothly and the spike in cases can be reduced. This dynamic, of course, will soon be reported by BPKN to President Jokowi as a report related to the current situation of society.