The price of surgical masks has shot up across the city at a time the second wave of coronavirus infections is wreaking havoc.

Stores are selling surgical masks for Rs 12 to Rs 17 apiece. A piece of surgical mask is being sold for Rs 19 by Apollo Pharmacy, which has outlets across the city.

Many doctors are suggesting that people wear surgical masks and stop using cloth masks because some mutated forms of the virus seem more transmissible.

Surgical masks are not reusable, meaning they can be worn only for a day. “These masks lose their efficiency if they get wet. They should be only worn for a day. Use a new surgical mask every day and throw it away when you are back home,” said a public health specialist.

Some doctors are also suggesting that people wear a cloth mask above a surgical mask so there are no openings around the nose and the mouth. Some are even wearing two surgical masks to better protect themselves from the virus.

The price surge is hitting them hard. “A friend of mine had purchased surgical masks for Rs 4 each from the fair price shop at the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital last year. But when I went to the shop last week, they charged Rs 7 for each mask. The employees at the shop told me that the price first increased to Rs 6 and then to Rs 7,” said a resident of Cossipore.

A Kasba resident said a surgical mask with a nose clip that could be bent for a proper fit cost Rs 12 at a store in his neighbourhood in mid-April. Before the second wave of the pandemic hit, the store sold surgical masks for Rs 10 apiece. By the end of April, the price had shot up further.

“When I went to the same store in the last week of April, they were charging Rs 15 for one surgical mask. The owner told me all the stocks had exhausted and the new masks cost more,” said the man.

Another south Calcutta resident said the price of surgical masks was even higher at Apollo Pharmacy outlets.

“I buy masks from Apollo Pharmacy because I like the fit of their masks. But when I recently visited an Apollo Pharmacy store, they asked Rs 19 for one piece. Later I visited another store. They too were selling surgical masks for Rs 19,” the man said.

An official of Apollo Pharmacy said the procurement cost of surgical masks has gone higher. “We are reviewing the price,” he said.

The website of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) mentions that the maximum retail price of a two-ply and a three-ply surgical mask was fixed at Rs 8 and Rs 10, respectively.

A notice on the site reads: “As per notification of 21st March, 2020 issued by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the MRP of 2 Ply and 3 ply mask has been fixed as Rs. 8/- and Rs. 10/- each respectively. Further, as per Gazette Notification dated 24th March, 2020 the retail price of 3 ply surgical mask containing a layer of Melt Blown non-Woven Fabric shall not be more than Rs. 16/- per piece. These prices will remain in force for a period up to 30th June, 2020.”

Many Calcuttans said it was impossible for a lay person to distinguish between a three-ply mask and one with a non-woven fabric layer.

“Allowing Rs 16 as the price for one piece of mask is improper at a time when the pandemic is raging. How many can afford to throw away a mask of Rs 16 every day?” wondered the Kasba resident.