Cancer drugs

This refers to the editorial ‘The right medicine’ (March 13), on the pricing of cancer drugs. If the reduction in prices is going to affect the production of these drugs, it is necessary that the government considers steps for alleviating any problems faced by the manufacturers. With the number of cancer patients estimated at a significant 22 lakh and the cost of treatment being around 2.5 times more than the cost of other treatments, there is need for continuous monitoring of the expenses incurred by the patients.

The plight of poor patients is unimaginable. The government should consider the option of starting a company solely for the manufacture of cancer drugs. Also, research facilities to improve cancer treatment should be strengthened.

Coimbatore

This is with reference to ‘Much ado about just a little something’ (March 13). India has been one of the top beneficiaries of the US’ generalised system of preferences. We have been contemplating about imposing retaliatory tariff of up to $35 million on 29 American goods to counter Trump's decision to raise import duty on steel and aluminium.

And, now, the US has decided to remove India from its trade preference programme, which would have caught our government and officials off-guard. We cannot see this development in isolation, especially as the US and China have managed a temporary truce over trade tariffs. With Donald Trump seeking re-election in 2020, the demand to lower import duties could fall on deaf ears. Though US’ denial of GSP status may not have much impact as India has diversified its exports into Latin America and Africa, we should have been more proactive and ensured the situation did not reach this point. Hopefully, the government will act to reduce possible damage to our exports.

Noida

The decision of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to stop sending paper-based communication for premium and maturity-related information is a high-handed measure. While the step is certainly environment-friendly, it should not be taken unilaterally without the policyholder’s consent. There may be thousands of policyholders who may not have a mobile phone or who are unable to understand the messages as these are sent in English. The physical letter is important for such financial matters and needs to be continued. The SMSes can be in addition to the physical communication for a few more years.

Jaipur

Huge amount of public money is wasted in allowing senior officials in legislature, judiciary, bureaucracy and public sector undertakings to travel in Business-Class rather than Economy-Class in domestic flights. All airlines may be directed to reserve the first two rows of the Economy-Class for those officials entitled to travel Business-Class. However, those desirous of travelling Business-Class can do so by paying the difference in fares. Frequent-flier-points earned should go into the accounts of the government department concerned rather than in the names of individuals.

New Delhi

The case of serial sexual assaults and blackmailing of women in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, has sent shock waves across the country. It points to the growing vulnerability of women to sexual violence at the hands of perverts.

The video clip, showing a woman, who was allegedly sexually assaulted, pleading for mercy from the perpetrators, is a clear testimony to the horrendous nature of the crime.

The vociferous call from the opposition for the handover of the case to the CBI merits serious consideration from the State government.

The perpetrators of such heinous sexual crimes against hapless women should never be allowed to go scot-free. Speedy and swifter justice for the affected women brooks no delay.

Sholavandan, TN

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