The effects of the TB drug shortage in India are significant and have far-reaching consequences. Here are the key points:

• Increased risk of drug-resistant TB: Without access to the necessary medication, patients may not complete their treatment or receive inadequate treatment, leading to the development of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis.
• Reduced treatment success rates: Patients who do not receive proper medication are at a higher risk of treatment failure, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased morbidity, mortality, and a higher burden on the healthcare system.
• Social and economic impact: TB can be a debilitating disease, affecting a person's ability to work and earn a living. The drug shortage exacerbates these challenges, leading to increased poverty and decreased quality of life for individuals and their families.
• Strain on healthcare infrastructure: The shortage places an additional burden on healthcare facilities, requiring them to prioritize allocation of limited drugs to the most vulnerable patients, thereby stretching resources and potentially compromising the quality of care.
• Public health implications: TB is an infectious disease, and the lack of effective treatment can contribute to the spread of the disease within communities, amplifying the public health impact of the shortage.

It is worth mentioning that while Tamil Nadu may not currently be facing a shortage, the effects mentioned above apply to other parts of the country where the shortage exists.