GoI sanctions Rs 15,000 crores for its COVID-19 Package

On April 9, 2020, the Government of India sanctioned Rs 15,000 crore that was earlier announced for the Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness package. The main objective of the package is to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Highlights

The funds sanctioned are to be used in establishing dedicated treatment facilities of COVID-19, build national and state health systems, bio-security preparedness, support and prevent future disease outbreaks.

The funds will also help in increasing the production of PPEs (Personal Protection Equipment), ventilators, ICU and other essential equipment.

Division of the funds

The Funds are to be completely handled by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare. The ministry will split the funds among its exclusive divisions that have been deployed in combating COVID-19. The funds are to be split among National Health Mission, ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research), Indian Railways, National Centre for Disease Control.

So far, the GoI has 223 labs testing COVID-19. This includes 66 private laboratories.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020