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Dear Reader,
It has become clear to all of us that given the nature of
the COVID-19 virus, developing a vaccine is
the solution to combating the pandemic.
Our grantee The Lede examines how real
the ICMR’s deadline of August 15 for developing an
indigenous vaccine is and The Wire argues
that it is politics rather than science that is driving
its unseemly haste.
And, IndiaSpend investigates how black
marketers and price-gougers have thwarted access to
‘life-saving’ drugs that Coronavirus patients require.
To find out more on India’s fight against the pandemic
from our grantee newsrooms, read on.
Warmly,
Sunil Rajshekhar
IPSMF
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ICMR’s Logic: Vaccine Need Not Be 100% Efficient
As Long As It Is Safe?
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The ICMR’s unseemly effort to rush India’s ‘first
indigenous coronavirus vaccine - Covaxin” through
the trials, and make it available by August 15 has
run into controversy.
The Lede talks to the
pro-vice-chancellor of the SRM University, the
sole centre in Tamil Nadu for conducting human
trials, and reports that only Phase 1 and 2 of the
trials will be completed (largely on young
individuals) by the deadline. And, even “if the
vaccine is not 100% efficient”, as long it is
safe, it is worth the effort.
Read Here
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ICMR's Rush to Produce 'Indian
Vaccine' for COVID-19 Suggests Politics is
Driving Science
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The Wire analyses the rigorous
standards required in randomised controlled trials
for vaccines, spread over months, and points to
the gaps between the ICMR’s public proclamations
and the reality on the ground. Seemingly, politics
rather than science is driving ICMR’s rush.
Read Here
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‘Life-Saving’ COVID-19 Drug In Short Supply,
Prices Shoot Up
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The breakdown of supply chains has made it
extremely challenging for patients infected with
COVID-19 to secure antiviral treatments which are
being prescribed discretionarily by doctors.
IndiaSpend investigates the
plight of patients in securing one such drug
called Tocilizumab, which is in short supply.
Patients’ family members are having to deal with
black marketers and price gougers since Swiss
pharma major ‘Roche’ has a complete monopoly over
deciding who manufactures the drug.
Read Here
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COVID-19 relief didn’t reach Jan Dhan accounts of
many women: Survey
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A survey of over 12,000 women across 13 states in
India found that inactive bank accounts under the
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), largely
due to lack of awareness, has been one of the
primary reasons why more than 16 per cent of women
have not been able to access the post-lockdown
relief offered by the government.
Down To Earth analyses the survey
conducted by the National Coalition of Civil
Society Organisations, in partnership with Oxfam
India.
Read Here
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In Posters: Menstruating in PPEs—Stories of
Frontline Healthcare Workers
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Feminism in India shares personal
stories of frontline health workers who manage the
struggles of experiencing periods in their
personal protection equipment (PPE). Long hours,
extreme sweat, coupled with an inability to use a
washroom, adds to the woes of a female healthcare
worker in a PPE. FII calls for hospitals and
quarantine centers to make arrangements for the
provision of menstrual hygiene supplies like
sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups for
health care workers.
Read Here
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Is PM-CARES diverting money away from
nonprofits?
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India Development Review
analyses a report from India Data Insights
to show that the PM-CARES Fund, which was
launched by the Prime Minister to provide
COVID-19 relief, is making life tougher for
non-profits by cutting into the CSR pie.
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