Flying squads to check hoarding, black marketing of COVID-19 medicines in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Amidst unprecedented rise in COVID-19 cases in second wave of the pandemic, Odisha Government formed flying squads to check hoarding and black marketing of drugs and medical supplies for treatment of the deadly disease.

Total 22 flying squads have been formed, of which 7 teams will be deployed for Twin City Bhubaneswar and Cuttack and 15 will prevent hoarding and black marketing of the COVID-19 medicines in rest of the State, informed Crime Branch ADG Yashwant Jethwa today.

Following the reports of massive hoarding and black marketing of COVID-19 medicines and other medical supplies by unscrupulous elements, the State Government has constituted a State Level Committee headed by Jethwa to prevent such activities.

The district authorities have been directed to monitor the stock of essential medical supplies and take corrective action as deemed fit.

The committee will supervise the district-wise position of availability of essential medical supplies and ensure that the officers conducting the raids, search and seizure get full cooperation from various agencies including police.