Lease out Chengalpet vaccine complex to get it working, TN govt urges Centre

Lease out Chengalpet vaccine complex to get it working, TN govt urges Centre

CM Writes To PM; Centre Receptive, Says Minister

D.Govardan@timesgroup.com

28.05.2021

Tamil Nadu on Thursday urged the Centre to offer the Integrated Vaccine Complex (IVC) at Chengalpet, established by HLL Biotech, on lease to the state. Chief minister M K Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought his intervention and said the state would seek out a private partner to produce vaccines against Covid-19.

Industries minister Thangam Thennarasu, who flew to New Delhi and handed over the chief minister’s letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), later called on Union minister for industries, railways and commerce Piyush Goyal to discuss the proposal in detail. A meeting with Union minister for health and family welfare Harsh Vardhan could not happen as the latter was preoccupied with World Health Organisation (WHO) interactions. The minister later said the Centre was receptive to the state government’s proposal.

In his letter, Stalin drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the fact that the high capacity vaccine manufacturing facility, in which the Centre invested ₹700 crore, was lying unused for a long time for want of further funds. “The recent attempt to find a private partner to run the IVC has also not borne fruit as there were no bidders,” Stalin said.

“I am very keen that this modern facility must be made functional immediately, in the interest of our state and our nation. This would substantially enhance the nation’s vaccine production capacity and cater to the vaccine requirements of the country as a whole and Tamil Nadu in particular,” he said.

The state suggested that the Centre hand over the assets of the IVC on lease, without any past liabilities and with full operational freedom. It said it would identify a suitable private partner and would make all efforts to commence vaccine production at the earliest. “A suitable financial arrangement for the Union government to recover a part of its investment can be subsequently worked out, after the commencement of operations,” Stalin said.

Later, Thangam Thennarasu told TOI that the Centre said it would look at all possible options and get back. “Tamil Nadu has moved the proposal at a strategic point, given the present scenario. Our chief minister is very keen to revive the facility at the earliest, as he feels such a large modern facility should not be lying idle,” he said. “They have not given up yet on the facility and said they will continue to look at ways to revive it, including the suggestion from us.”

The IVC has around ₹300 crore in liabilities and that has prevented any revival attempts from succeeding. “The private players are not willing to join hands with the present tender conditions. Hence, we are requesting it on nominal lease, without the liabilities. We can simplify the conditions, talk to them and identify an operator,” a senior state government official said.

BEATING THE PURPOSE:

People in the 18-44 years age category formed long, crowded queues at UPHCs in Madurai to get vaccinated on Thursday

I am very keen that this modern facility must be made functional immediately, in the interest of our state and our nation. This would substantially enhance the nation’s vaccine production capacity and cater to the vaccine requirements of the country as a whole and Tamil Nadu in particular

M K STLAIN TN chief minister in his letter to PM

6cr Covaxin shots ready. 2cr given so far. Where’s the rest?

6cr Covaxin shots ready. 2cr given so far. Where’s the rest?

TIMES INSIGHT GROUP

28.05.2021

Times of India Chennai Edition 

The mismatch between reported production numbers of Covid vaccines in India and the level of daily vaccination seems particularly acute in the case of Covaxin. Official data shows 2.1 crore doses of Bharat Biotech’s vaccine had been administered across the country till Thursday morning. Putting together statements from the company and the Centre indicate at least 6 crore doses should have been available for use. So where’s the missing two-thirds?

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech refused to comment despite repeated attempts.

Now consider the production numbers. Krishna Ella, the company’s CMD, went on record on April 20 to say that 15 million doses had been produced in March and April would end with the month’s output at 20 million doses. He also said the production in May would be 30 million or 3 crore, but let’s assume the planned scaling up didn’t happen. That would still mean 35 million doses in March and April and the best part of another 20 million in May.

Bulk of India’s vax exports is Covishield

The Centre too has, in at least two separate affidavits, one in the Supreme Court and another in the Kerala HC as recently as May 24, stated Covaxin production is at 2 crore doses a month. All of this taken together suggests an output of close to 5.5 crore doses close to the end of May.

Further, Ella said on January 5 before the vaccination drive had even begun that the company had stockpiled 20 million doses of the vaccine. That takes the total to 7.5 crore. Add production in January and February, which was at a much lower level than in March-April, and you get to somewhere around 8 crore doses.

Of course, some of this may have been exported when the country was indulging in vaccine diplomacy. But all of India’s vaccine exports put together are about 6.6 crore doses. The bulk of this has been Covishield. Even if we assume that 2 crore were Covaxin, a most unlikely scenario, there should have been 6 crore doses available for use in India by this time. So, what explains only 2.1 crore being used?

Several states have complained of shortages of Covaxin in particular. In Delhi, for instance, the government had to shut down centres administering Covaxin earlier this week even for those waiting for a second shot. The data also shows that the extent to which different states have utilised Covaxin varies significantly.

WhatsApp moves HC against new IT rules, terms them unconstitutional

WhatsApp moves HC against new IT rules, terms them unconstitutional

‘Violate Right To Privacy, Freedom Of Expression’

Abhinav Garg and Pankaj Doval

New Delhi:27.05.2021

TOI: Bhopal Edition 

In an unprecedented move, US chat messenger WhatsApp took the Centre to court over its new rules to trace the origins of “unlawful” messages and breaking its famed end-to-end encryption, arguing that the mandate violates citizens’ fundamental right to privacy and freedom of speech and expression, and thus should be dismissed as “unconstitutional, ultra vires the IT Act, and illegal”.

Filing a petition in the Delhi high court on the first day of the implementation of the new IT guidelines and rules which mandate top social media companies (such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Google and Twitter) to identify the source of an unlawful message within 72 hours, the top instant messenger said the guidelines are a violation of its rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, and also the rights of its more than 400 million users in the country.

‘Act of defiance’, bid to stall new law, fumes govt

The Centre on Wednesday said WhatsApp’s move was an “act of defiance”, and accused it of engaging in an “unfortunate attempt” to prevent the implementation of new laws governing social media companies. Emphasising that the right to privacy is not absolute and comes with “reasonable restrictions”, the government also pointed that WhatsApp had gone to court citing privacy concerns, but its new norms had sought to share user data with its parent Facebook for marketing and advertising purposes, reports Pankaj Doval.

The government also claimed that India is not the only country to enforce such laws, and it has been implemented internationally too. P 7

Google, FB may comply, Twitter stand unclear

The government on Wednesday asked large social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp to immediately report their status of compliance with the new mandate. The IT ministry sought details and contact information of chief compliance officer, resident grievance officer and nodal contact person who have been appointed by digital platforms under the new rules.

While the stand of microblogging app Twitter is still not clear, Facebook and Google have indicated to the government that they will be designating the required officers. Twitter has also not had any substantial discussion with authorities. P7

Journos could be at risk of retaliation, says WhatsApp

Petitioner (WhatsApp) respectfully submits that this requirement forces the petitioner to break end-to-end encryption on its messaging service, as well as the privacy principles underlying it, and infringes upon the fundamental rights to privacy and free speech of the hundreds of millions of citizens using WhatsApp to communicate privately and securely,” it said. It said that end-toend encryption ensures that every communication sent on WhatsApp, both messages and calls, can only be decrypted by the recipient. No one else, including the company, can read or listen to encrypted communications or determine their contents.

Mandating the identification of the first originator of information undermines the privacy and security provided by end-to-end encryption. “For example, journalists could be at risk of retaliation for investigating issues that may be unpopular; civil or political activists could be at risk of retaliation for discussing certain rights and criticising or advocating for politicians or policies; and clients and attorneys could become reluctant to share confidential information for fear that the privacy and security of their communications are no longer ensured.”

It argued that since there is no way to predict which message will be the subject of a tracing order, companies will need to build the ability to identify the first originator of every communication sent in India on their platforms for all time, infringing upon the privacy of even lawful users. “Enabling the identification of the first originator of information in India breaks endto-end encryption and the privacy principles underlying it… (it) violates the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, as it chills even lawful speech. Citizens will not speak freely for fear that their private communications will be traced and used against them, which is antithetical to the very purpose of endto-end encryption.”

WhatsApp said Rule 4(2) of the new norms for IT intermediaries, which mandates tracing the origins of messages flagged as unlawful, infringes upon the right to privacy without satisfying the three-part test set forth by SC — legality, necessity and proportionality.

LEGAL TUSSLE

NEET aspirants turn Covid warriors at state-run hospital

NEET aspirants turn Covid warriors at state-run hospital

Deepthi.Sanjiv@timesgroup.com

Mangaluru: 27.05.2021 

TOI: Bangalore Edition 

With the exam entrance postponed, a group of fresh MBBS graduates from Kundapur in Udpui district, who have been preparing for the PG-NEET for almost a year, have joined the frontlines of the battle against Covid-19 by opting to work at the government hospital in Kundapur.

This handful of doctors is now trying to strike the right balance between study and working in the Covid ward.

Among them is Dr Rachana Shetty, a NEET aspirant, who graduated from Mahatma Gandhi Mission (MGM) Hospital, Navi Mumbai, but was forced to return to her hometown following the death of her father Suresh Shetty, a hotelier in February this year.

“My mother, Jyothi, was keen that I return to Kundapur,” Dr Rachana said. “Even though my family was going through emotional trauma, I decided to apply at the local hospital as soon as I learnt there was a vacancy. The Covid caseload was beginning to rise and I wanted to help. Not all NEET aspirants are willing to work at this point as they feel their preparations for the exam will take a back seat,” she said.

Dr Rajat Shetty and his elder brother Dr Ashit Shetty were also disappointed when NEET was postponed. Both had worked at the taluk hospital last year and decided to return to the hospital when the second wave of infections hit, and cases began to rise.

“There is no doubt that the second wave is more severe, but it has been a great learning experience,” Dr Rajat said. “Preparing for exams and practising at the same time can be very stressful. There is also a lot of uncertainty surrounding the exam. Since the pattern is expected to change next year, we were keen on taking it this year.”

Dr Namitha, another aspirant who is working in a hospital, said, “At the end of most days we are dog-tired, but we are happy that we are working for society during a crisis,” she said.

Dr Niveditha believed the decision to work has been a great learning experience. “The support staff, seniors and nurses work tirelessly round the clock. Dr Vijayashankar, anaesthetist, and Dr Nagesh, nodal officer, have been guiding us despite their heavy workload.”

Dr Nagesh said the taluk hospital had had nearly 700 admissions during the second wave and about 40 Covid-19 patients admitted to the maternity ward had delivered babies.

Jab vs job dilemma for NRIs awaiting 2nd dose

Jab vs job dilemma for NRIs awaiting 2nd dose

Kevin.Mendonsa@timesgroup.com

Mangaluru:27.05.2021

TOI Bangalore Edition 

Many NRIs who came home for vacations and took the first dose of vaccine against Covid-19 are now in a tight spot due to the non-availability of the second dose. This is more so with those who took Covishield as the government has extended the gap between two doses of the vaccine to 12-16 weeks, up from the previous maximum limit of eight weeks.

A 32-year-old working in the hospitality industry had taken his first dose of Covaxin in the third week of March and his second dose was originally due in May. Since he was asked to report back to the US in the second week of May, he wanted to get the second dose before leaving the country. But that was not to be.

After facing hurdles in Mangaluru, he tried to get the vaccine in Chennai where he was due for a check-up and some small procedures, but failed. Ultimately, to avoid hassles, he said, he declared that he was not vaccinated and on landing in the US and took the first dose of Pfizer vaccine at the airport there.

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia, the work destination of many locals, allows only those vaccinated to return.

‘Govt must make vaccine arrangements for NRIs’

Mushtaq Ahmed, who has been working there for 28 years and is curently on a break in Mangaluru, said vaccination certificates carrying the Aadhaar number in place of the passport number is not being accepted as a valid document due to rule revisions in many countries. So, many NRIs who got the first dose furnishing their Aadhaar number will have to update their certificates with the passport number to ensure international acceptance. “I was running to PHCs in the city to get the first dose of Covishield but the problem was that my vax certificate was not attached to my passport. Finally, I found a private hospital that attaches certificates to passports. I will take a second dose of AstraZeneca in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Former mayor K Ashraf urged the government to make separate arrangements for NRIs and those who have to travel abroad. Kerala has already included students and employees who need to go abroad as priority groups for vaccination. District nodal officer for vaccines in Dakshina Kannada Dr BV Rajesh said there is no provision yet from the government to arrange for vaccination of NRIs travelling abroad separately on priority basis.

End capitation fee in medical colleges: NMC

End capitation fee in medical colleges: NMC

27.05.2021

TOI Bangalore Edition 

Mumbai:

Almost two years after the National Medical Commission Act was passed, the commission has released draft guidelines on fixing fees in private and deemed medical colleges. Once these norms are passed, fees for 50% MBBS and PG seats in these colleges will be regulated, reports Yogita Rao.

The commission has listed over 25 guidelines, ranging from not charging huge sums as security deposits to not including all hospital expenses while computing the cost for providing medical education. It has disallowed capitation fees in any form and said colleges must adhere to ‘not-for-profit’ model.

Parents: Rules will bring relief to many meritorious students

Parents say once implemented, the rules will bring relief to thousands of meritorious students who cannot pursue medical education in private and deemed colleges due to the steep fees. In Maharashtra, private colleges charge up to Rs 16 lakh per annum and deemed colleges charge up to Rs 25 lakh per annum as fees.

“It is already two years, and we hope these draft regulations are implemented before the next academic session begins,” said a health ministry official.

The guidelines state that only operating cost should be primarily considered to determine fees. “The fees can be fixed for a block of three years or on a year-to-year basis and should remain the same for the entire duration of study, subject to inflation adjustment,” the draft said. Fees in newly established colleges should be decided on an ad-hoc basis, based on the fee structure of a recently established college in the state. “Since the expenditure in the Covid-19 pandemic year will not depict the true picture — as hostel and mess expenses dropped, and expenses in hospitals and doctors’ allowances and salaries went up — the state fee regulatory body can consider the average financial result of the previous three years,” said the statement.

Dip In Cases Eases Drug, Oxygen & Bed Shortage

CITY BREATHES EASY, COIMBATORE STRUGGLES

Dip In Cases Eases Drug, Oxygen & Bed Shortage

Komal Gautham & Ram Sundaram TNN

27.05.2021 

TOI: Chennai Edition 

As Covid-19 cases drop in Chennai, bed and drug availability has improved compared to two weeks ago. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), however, says the situation is only better, but not yet comfortable.

Dr P Ganeshkumar, epidemiologist, National institute of Epidemiology, said, “The percentage change in incidence and the test positivity rate is going in the negative now. This shows that there may be a limited spread of infection. We have also seen that the age-specific death rate is also reducing.

Since May 10, the state government has added more than 3,500 oxygen-supported and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds in Chennai. As of Tuesday evening, around 10% of the total 9,851 such beds in the city were vacant. The vacancy was 3% in the first week of May.

"The demand for oxygen beds has come down, but ICU beds are still not available easily because of the prolonged treatment of critically ill patients," said T N Ravishankar, head of a private hospital in Chennai.

As far as oxygen demand is concerned, waiting time at the Gummidipoondi refilling station has reduced from 15 hours to four or five hours now, he said.

E Therani Rajan, dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), said, "The waiting time for a bed has come down but we still have 1,678 patients in ICU and with fresh cases being reported every day, there is not much reprieve. Only when the fresh cases go below 2,000, will the availability of beds stop being an issue."

As far as drug availability was concerned, Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) authorities said they have adequate stock of tocilizumab for critically ill patients at government hospitals and around 120 vials are sold to private hospitals every day at ₹33,956 per vial.

"Remdesivir is now sold only online and we are expecting 5,000 vials of Amphotericin B from Mylan labs in Hosur to treat mucormycosis (black fungus) patients," said a TNMSC official.

GCC commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi said, “We still haven't won the war. We need to vaccinate more people. Our focus is now to vaccinate newspaper vendors, autorickshaw drivers, EB staff, workers in the e-commerce sector, workers from industries, street vendors, construction workers and employees of essential industries."

Apart from that, we are still in touch with all the apartment complexes, residential welfare associations and disabled people to vaccinate them as soon as possible, he said.

Daily fresh cases in zones such as Valasaravakkam, Adyar, Kodambakkam and Anna Nagar have seen a huge dip in the past two weeks. And all this is happening when the testing numbers are the same, which is a good sign.

Alby John, GCC deputy commissioner, health, said they are focusing on early surveillance and to do so they have asked private hospitals and clinics to report all fever and other symptomatic cases to the civic body. “We will continue to add beds and ramp up the measures,” said Alby.