By Amadou Manjang
The Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) has said it will be holding a hearing before imposing a penalty or giving a direction to an enterprise liable for engaging in anti-competitive conduct.
The hearing is scheduled to take place on the 29th of January 2025 at 9 a.m. at its Futurelec office Building in Kotu along Bertil Harding Highway.
It could be recalled that The Commission has opened an investigation into the saline market. The commission’s preliminary inquiry revealed a shortage and drastic increase in the price of normal saline by some businesses.
According to the commission’s preliminary inquiry statement, this ‘had deeply affected patients and their families’. Saline solution is a mixture of water and salt (sodium chloride) that has many health uses.
‘The inquiry indicated a high likelihood of exploitation of the monopoly situation by some pharmacies,’ the Commission added.
In a dispatch shared with Foroyaa, the Commission said it has ‘concluded an investigation into the market for Normal Saline (Sodium Chloride 0.9%) following concerns regarding significant price increases and supply shortages.’
The investigation was conducted pursuant to section 15 (b) of the Competition Act 2007 which mandates the Commission to investigate any anti-competitive practice either on its own initiative or on the complaint of any person including the state.
‘The investigation revealed potential anti-competitive practices by some wholesalers and retailers of the normal saline product,’ the Commission added.
Meanwhile, the Commission called on interested ‘parties who have any information or documents relevant to the Commission’s investigation to indicate their attendance at the hearing.’
