Lockdown hits production of anti-TB drugs, health min seeks to ban export

In a letter to various departments, the health ministry has said the "situation calls for extraordinary measures" to make sure that TB patients do not face challenges in diagnosis or treatment.

India’s fight against Covid-19 might be costing it in its battle against tuberculosis (TB) with supply and production of a key anti-TB drug taking a hit amid emergency measures being taken to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

The industry, however, claims that the shortage is because of production hurdles at two pharma hubs Daman and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) caused by restriction on inter-state movement of workers.
 

The health ministry has taken note of concerns raised by suppliers that because of limited material for production and manpower, the drug supplies could be delayed. The suppliers have said the delays are