Aurangabad, May 4:
Increased health awareness among citizens about coronavirus and a large increase in home isolations has led to a huge increase in demand for oximeters and thermometers to measure temperature. As a result, the prices of both these devices have doubled in the last fifteen days.
Demand for oximeters and thermometers had increased since Covid-19 began last year, but the first wave waned and the demand abruptly ended in November-December. As a result, many vendors had large quantities of stocks of both devices. However, the demand for oximeters and thermometers skyrocketed after the second wave hit the country in March. On the other hand, as stocks in the market have almost run out and the supply of new products has declined, the demand and prices of both the devices have almost doubled.
Currently, prices have doubled
Prices for oximeters and thermometers have almost doubled so far, even before the lockdown began. There is a situation in the market where demand is high and availability is low. Prices, which were between Rs 800 and Rs 1,500 before the lockdown, have now gone up to Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 said, Mayur Lavhale, medical professional.
Difficult to get BiPAP, oxygen concentrator
Nowadays, it has become very difficult to get BiPAP, oxygen concentrator machines. The prices of have gone up and there is no supply from other states. The situation may improve after the container of oximeter, thermometer arrives in India from China, said Yogesh Garad, medical professional.
Situation may last for at least fifteen days
At present, containers bound for India from China are stuck there and equipment like oximeter, thermometers, BiPAP, oxygen concentrators will not be able to reach India for the next fortnight. So the prices of these items will remain the same for a few days said experts.