Oxfam India Amitabh Behar: Vaccine Must Be Free For All

The transcript discusses the severe COVID-19 crisis in India, highlighting the shortage of oxygen and vaccines, and the collapse of the healthcare system. It includes a personal account of the pandemic's impact and emphasizes the need for global vaccine equity and international support. The discussion also covers the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and the importance of policy measures to address the crisis and support economic recovery.

What is the irony mentioned in the context of India's vaccine production?

• India has the highest vaccination rate in the world.

• India is known as the 'pharmacy of the world' but faces vaccine shortages.

• India has stopped exporting vaccines to other countries.

• India has vaccinated its entire population twice.

What is the main issue faced by people in urban areas during the COVID-19 crisis in India?

• Lack of access to clean water.

• Shortage of hospital beds and oxygen.

• Increased crime rates.

• Closure of educational institutions.

What is the global concern related to vaccine nationalism?

• It causes vaccines to lose their effectiveness.

• It prevents poorer countries from accessing vaccines.

• It results in overproduction of vaccines.

• It leads to increased vaccine prices worldwide.

What is the proposed solution to ensure global vaccine access?

• Removing intellectual property rights on vaccines.

• Increasing vaccine prices.

• Limiting vaccine production to certain countries.

• Maintaining strict intellectual property rights.

What policy measure is suggested to address the immediate health crisis in India?

• Reducing the number of healthcare workers.

• Increasing oxygen production.

• Building more hospitals in rural areas.

• Implementing a nationwide curfew.

What is a significant challenge of implementing a lockdown in India?

• It leads to increased pollution levels.

• It disrupts the education system.

• It affects daily wage workers' ability to earn a living.

• It causes a rise in internet usage.

What long-term solution is suggested for protecting vulnerable populations in India?

• Building more shopping malls.

• Providing free internet access.

• Ensuring food and shelter for migrant workers.

• Increasing taxes on luxury goods.