Shortage of TB drugs, 300 days of farmers' protests, and the new RBI Chief
Dec 10, 2024
auto_awesome
Anonna Dutt, an investigative journalist at The Indian Express specializing in healthcare, discusses a critical shortage of tuberculosis medications in India, spotlighting how this affects efforts to combat the disease. Raakhi Jagga, also from The Indian Express, provides an update on the farmers' protests, which have now lasted over 300 days, emphasizing their calls for Minimum Support Price reforms. The conversation also touches on the recent appointment of a new RBI Governor, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead in balancing growth and inflation.
India's TB drug shortage is critically hindering disease elimination efforts due to procurement issues and supplier blacklisting.
Ongoing farmers' protests highlight the demand for a legal Minimum Support Price, as dissatisfaction rises from unfulfilled government promises.
Deep dives
Shortage of TB Drugs in India
India is facing a significant shortage of essential tuberculosis (TB) drugs, which is hindering efforts to eliminate the disease by 2025. Investigations revealed that states have been unable to procure necessary medicines due to delays from the central government and difficulties in sourcing locally. Notably, at least three suppliers of TB medicines were blacklisted for failing to deliver on time or providing incorrect pricing, exacerbating the drug shortage. With India accounting for a significant portion of global TB cases, these procurement issues are critical to address to prevent worsening health outcomes for TB patients.
Ongoing Farmers' Protests
Farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border for over 300 days, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations. Despite initial discussions with union ministers, the government's failure to meet these demands has led to ongoing tensions and protests. Farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s attempts to placate them with selective MSP offers, rejecting proposals that do not cover all crops. Harsh tactics, including the use of tear gas during protests, have fueled farmers' determination to continue their demonstrations until their demands are acknowledged.
Changes in RBI Leadership
The Indian government appointed Sanjay Malhotra as the new governor of the Reserve Bank of India, ending Shakti Kantadasa's tenure amidst strained relations between the central bank and the government. Malhotra, known for his calm demeanor and intellectual capabilities, is expected to navigate the complexities of economic policy, including pressures to lower key interest rates. The appointment comes during a period of tension, as previous governors have faced similar struggles over maintaining the autonomy of the central bank while addressing government demands. The ongoing dialogue surrounding monetary policy highlights the delicate balance between stimulating growth and controlling inflation in India.
First, The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt shares insights from her investigation, revealing how a shortage of drugs is hindering India’s efforts to eliminate TB.
Next, The Indian Express’ Raakhi Jagga reports on the recent developments in the farmers’ protests, which marked 300 days yesterday (10:42).
Finally, we provide a quick update on the government’s appointment of a new Governor for the Reserve Bank of India (22:10).
Hosted, written, and produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode