Cabinet approves India COVID-19 emergency package of 15 thousand crores

New Delhi. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved an investment of Rs 15,000 crore for the 'India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package'. This amount will be used in 3 steps. Out of this, a provision of Rs 7774 crore has been made for Covid-19 Emergency Response. The remaining money will be spent on medium term measures of one year to four years and these tasks will be completed in mission mode.

Focus will be on these measures

The main objectives of the package include development of diagnostics and COVID dedicated treatment facilities, central procurement of medical equipment and medicines required for the treatment of infected patients, strengthening and developing national and state health systems to support future epidemics and preparedness. To set up laboratories and increase surveillance activities, biosafety preparations, Actively engaging epidemiological research and communities and increasing emergency response to slow and limit the spread of Covid-19 in India through risk communication activities. These measures and initiatives will be implemented only under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Funds worth Rs 3000 crores released to states

In the first phase, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has already taken several steps in collaboration with other concerned ministries. An additional fund of Rs. 3,000 crore has been released for the State / UTs to prepare the health centers as Covid dedicated hospitals, dedicated Covid health centers and dedicated Covid care centers.

Detailed guidelines, protocols and advisories have been issued for quarantine, isolation, testing, treatment, disease prevention, disinfection, social distance and surveillance. Hotspots have been identified and prevention strategies are being implemented.

Order for purchase of 1.3 million diagnostic kits issued

The government says that diagnostics laboratories have been expanded and testing capacity is being increased every day. The existing multi-disease testing platform is being done under the National TB Eradication Program. In this order, orders have been issued for the purchase of 1.3 million diagnostic kits to increase Covid 19 trials.

Health workers insurance

All health workers, including Community Health Volunteers (ASHA), have been given insurance protection under the Prime Minister's Poor Welfare Package in view of Covid 19. Personal protective equipment (PPE), N95 masks and ventilators, test kits and treatment drugs are being procured at the central level.