Lukashenko calls to combat attempts to capitalize on pandemic
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MINSK, 19 October (BelTA) – We need to put an end to the attempts to cash in on people’s health concerns, to inflate the cost of certain services at a time of the pandemic, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he hosted a meeting to discuss the epidemiological situation and the COVID-19 response in Belarus on 19 October, BelTA has learned.
Chairman of the State Control Committee Vasily Gerasimov reported on a number of such cases. For example, the cost of oxygen, depending on the region, has increased by 2-5 times. A huge amount of money is spent on transportation. “In Grodno Oblast, 12 medical facilities used the services of an individual entrepreneur who did nothing. He had no transport or specialists and just pocketed Br500,000. We are uncovering such facts. Criminal cases have been opened in other regions too,” Vasily Gerasimov said.
There are negative facts regarding the maintenance of devices. The cost of such services varies from region to region by 2-7 times. “Not to mention the cases when some try to sell second-hand spare parts at exorbitant prices,” he said.
“Taking into account the fact that maintenance is expensive, it is important to look at the amount of the payments and the entities that work with this money,” said Vasily Gerasimov.
Aleksandr Lukashenko gave the relevant instructions: “If you see that someone has pocketed Br500,000 or Br1 million, as you said, then seize it. You have enough authorities for this.”
“These scoundrels are already profiting on people’s health. The whole world is preoccupied with the situation. We spend a lot of money on this. Deal with them and do it fast,” the head of state said.
“Team up with the police. Instead of fining people for not wearing face masks (no such practice as from tomorrow). The police will have more people available to deal with every one of them. Then we will take a look at what governors and others who were supposed to control such issues did,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.
