Buyers at a chemist store in city
BHUBANESWAR: Demand for medical equipment has hit the roof, said pharmacies here, as people have gone on a panic buying spree picking up anything and everything related to Covid-19 prevention and cure like oximeters, oxygen cans and steam inhalers. Vitamin C, D and Zinc tablets are also flying off racks. The sudden surge in demand for both medicines and equipment has resulted in a scarcity of these products, they said.
“Television news is full of images of people suffering and dying. The way the infection is spreading, no one knows whose turn would be next. It is better to be prepared with equipment and medicines because if one member falls ill in the family, others can immediately give him medical support,” said Pitambar Sahu, a businessman, who bought an oximeter and an oxygen can.