We saw bird flu coming...

So why were we so poorly prepared for it?

HARINDER S. SIKKA

The irony about the bird flu is that we all saw it coming. But, as usual, when it came to implementation, we did nothing. Consequently, millions of birds are being culled mercilessly even as threat of pandemic continues to loom large. Shockingly, instead of following a time-tested system of eliminating the virus, we are using unacceptable mechanisms in dealing with it. Most of the workers are either not using gloves and protective clothing, masks or lack the training to do the job. In fact, India has not even deemed it necessary to import N95 masks that are absolutely essential to filter the virus.

Killer cure

Harinder S Sikka

 Ever since India became TRIPS-compliant, there have been speculation about a drug price hike. Indeed, the prices did go up, but the hike was due to the finance ministry’s inventive policies on fringe benefit tax and untimely MRP-based excise duty. With over 97 per cent drugs off patent in India, there is not going to be any adverse impact on most drugs for at least the next one decade. The knowledge-economy sector, however, has some fears regarding the impending drug policy. 

A Dose of Corporate Fury

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New policy will severely damage drug supply chain

HARINDER S SIKKA

The task force on drugs pricing has, in its wake, left the entire pharmaceutical industry scampering for cover. Its recommendations could not have come at a worse hour, with the industry already suffering from MRP- based excise duty, value-added tax and fringe benefit tax. If implemented, the new policy could have an adverse impact on this sunrise sector and severely damage the supply chain of life- saving drugs.