The heads of Saudi Arabian chambers of commerce have urged pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers not to exploit public fear of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) by inflating prices.
The price of masks and disinfectants already has reportedly doubled in the kingdom, where there has been a sudden outbreak of the disease in the past six weeks.
Almost 500 people in Saudi Arabia have been diagnosed with MERS since it was first discovered in 2012. About one-quarter have died.
There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease. It is similar to SARS, which killed about 800 people after it was first detected in China in 2002.
Saudi authorities on Sunday warned those handling camels to wear face masks, with the animal considered a harbourer of the disease.
Demand has seen prices for medical masks and sterilisers skyrocket.
“Taking advantage of the rampant fear of a deadly virus to hike prices of what people now consider essential commodities contradicts our religious and moral values,” chairman of the board of directors of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCC), Saleh Kamel, was quoted as saying by Arab News.
“Merchants must instead join in government efforts to curb the spread of the virus. This is a monumental task that requires co-operation across the board.”
Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) medical committee chairman Sami Abdulkarim reiterated calls to pharmaceutical companies not to exploit public vulnerability.
“We request that private health facilities collaborate and engage constructively with the Health Ministry to tackle emergency situations,” he was quoted as saying.
“I urge the medical community and the media to disseminate accurate information about the virus without exaggerating or underplaying the facts.
“The medical committee at the RCCI will organise a series of lectures to increase awareness about the virus. The committee is working in coordination with private sector health facilities to ensure their commitment to Health Ministry plans in combating the virus.”
Pharmacists have said the rising price of medical masks and sterilisers has been due to a dramatic rise in demand.
Jeddah pharmacist Alaa Abu Riah said medical masks had increased from SAR5 ($1.30) to between SAR9-11.
Vegetable markets also reported a significant increase in the price of garlic, which is believed to help strengthen the immune system.
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