Large Batch of Medical Masks Exported from Armenia and Sold at a High Price Abroad

The newspaper "Zhoghovurd" reports that there is currently a deficit of masks in Armenia, and the stockpiles are empty. Questions arise as to why this situation has occurred and who is responsible for it. Recently, Armenia joined an international initiative and sent masks to our friendly country China as aid.

Simultaneously, rumors are circulating about individuals who purchased a large batch of masks at a low cost. Instead of selling them in Armenia or sending them to China, they have exported them to other countries, such as Russia, where they are sold at a much higher price. This situation has led the relevant authorities to address the growing mask shortage.

According to the newspaper's sources, even the Ministry of Health has reached out to several sources to import a large batch of masks. However, it appears that there is no single body responsible for overseeing or preventing such incidents. All possible entities seem to be avoiding responsibility.

The State Revenue Committee told the newspaper that they do not have separate analyses on how many masks have been imported or exported from Armenia. The director of the "Expert Center for Medicines and Medical Technologies," Vilen Gabrielian, emphasized in a conversation with the newspaper that they do not have any oversight function and only check the quality of registered sales items. As for the Ministry of Health, they are currently busy dealing with the consequences of the situation, seeking to import masks in large quantities.

Thus, it turns out that there is no structure in our country to monitor the mask supply situation. While the whole world was busy stockpiling masks, it seems that our country engaged in a business model of exporting large batches of masks and selling them at high prices in other countries. As of yesterday, this information has not been officially refuted by any entity. Meanwhile, the coronavirus has already reached Georgia as of yesterday.