A student body on Thursday alleged that substandard alcohol-based hand sanitizers are being sold in Manipur markets, at a time when the state is seeing a big spike in COVID-19 cases every day. Apunba Ireibak Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) alleged that most of the alcohol-based hand sanitizers available in the markets are found to be of substandard quality.
The student body made the allegation after a random survey was conducted to know the quality of the hand-sanitizers selling in the markets in Imphal. They collected samples of the hand sanitizers and tested using alcohol meters which they alleged detecting containing less quantity of alcohol in most of the sanitizers.
On spot test results suggested that most of the sanitizers containing less than 50% of ethanol against WHO recommended 75%, education and academic affairs secretary Suraj Thokchom alleged while informing the finding of the survey. “This is at a time when the state is witnessing a big spike in cases of the pandemic and while hand rub sanitizers are one of the mandated safeguards against COVID-19,” he said.
He then drew the attention of the state government, particularly the Health department to look into the matter and take up befitting action manufacturing companies, pharmacies and shops selling the substandard products.
He also appealed to the pharmacies and shopkeepers to stop immediately indulging in selling goods only for the profit and not to sell hand sanitizers by those who do not possess mandatory license for selling drugs.
While informing that the student body will continue its survey further and if they find selling such substandard products, they will launch a drive of destroying the substandard products, he cautioned.
NNN
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