Not just the ventilators, the State government has shown its largesse in the purchase of face shields, body bags, masks, gloves, shoe cover etc.
As per inquiries with local distributors, pharmacists and the online platform, the government has purchased the items at huge prices or at the maximum retail prices despite buying in bulk.
For example, the Kerala government has bought the TueNAT Quatro machine for Rs 6.5 lakh but the State has purchased for Rs 11 lakh.
Shockingly, the face shield, which is available for Rs 90 to Rs 120 at retail shops, has been purchased for Rs 250. The three-layered face masks, if purchased in bulk can cost from Rs 0.50 to Re 1, but the State has purchased for Rs 10. The N95 masks too have been purchased for Rs 87.5, which is available for Rs 30-40. Hand gloves too have been purchased for Rs 16.5, which is available for Rs 3 to Rs 4.
More importantly, the Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), which have been purchased in thousands, has cost the government Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,750. However, the same PPEs are available for Rs 300 to Rs 400.
