Senje Apothecary begins manufacturing hand sanitizers

Ketholeno Neihu
Kohima | March 18 

On the side-of-good-things, when hand-sanitizers are said to have run out in the market and prices gouged, a few has banded together to both manufacture and come up with their alcohol-based solutions to help combat shortage and also make it available at important spots. Kohima Science College, Fazl Ali College for instance has pivoted in catering to hospitals and public sectors. 

For Senje Apothecary- a handmade brand making natural skincare products based in Dimapur, Nagaland also started making hand-sanitizers, making it available at a very affordable price. 

“Few weeks ago my home town ran out of hand sanitizer. The one that I got from the market (last piece) was Rs 275 for 100 ml with less than 60% alcohol content,” Moakala Magh, the woman behind Senje Apothecary hand sanitizers cited as she also shared concerns on why maximum retail prices had suddenly sky-rocketed amidst demand. 

Then on, keeping aside her daily orders and production, she put on the task of studying before she can do her bit of contribution. For instance, alcohol was difficult to acquire and took her more than 3 weeks of thorough study. 

She made it clear to have the hand sanitizers specified by World Health Organization and to fight the market price. “My hand sanitizer is make on the specification of WHO, however I have added spearmint oil and lemon oil because of its antibacterial and fragrance properties,” she describes. The product contains 85% alcohol.  When asked of the price she revealed that a 30 ml (pocket size) sanitizer is sold at Rs. 50 and Rs 150 for 100ml. “I am selling at half the market price because everyone should be able to afford a Hand sanitizer,” Moakala adds. 

On March 17 evening after first posting it on her Instagram handle- Senje Apothecary for sale, Moakala shared that many people started giving orders. “I had overwhelming orders within the first few hours but I limited the order so that everyone should have.” 

“However washing your hand properly with soap and water is the best way to stop the germs and viruses from spreading but if you do not have access to soap and clean water or you are out, you should carry a sanitizer,” she added.