‘Several steps have been taken to battle Covid-19, Rs 15000 crore announced for states’: FM Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday stated that the federal government has taken numerous steps within the healthcare sector to battle the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Rs 15000 crore have been announced for states, essential items, testing labs and kits, along with rolling out of teleconsultation services, the launch of Aarogya Setu app and protection to health care workers with adequate PPEs,” Sitharaman introduced in her last tranche on Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package deal on Sunday.

The finance minister stated that the Centre has launched greater than Rs 4,113 crore to states. Insurance cowl of Rs 50 lakhs per particular person has been introduced for healthcare staff.

Also learn: 7 sectors in focus beneath final tranche of financial stimulus – Nirmala Sitharaman

“The Epidemic Diseases Act was amended for protection of healthcare workers,” she stated.

Sitharaman stated that well being expenditure will probably be elevated and funding on the grassroots degree will probably be ramped up for well being and wellness centres, with a selected deal with “aspirational districts”.

“All districts will have infectious diseases block in hospitals. Public health labs will be set up at block levels,” Sitharaman added.

Sitharaman on Sunday opened her handle on the ultimate tranche of the financial package deal by quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She stated that prime minister Narendra Modi, in his handle earlier this week, has stated that the coronavirus disaster has introduced a possibility, to construct a self-reliant (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

“As a nation today we stand at a very crucial juncture. Such a big disaster is a signal for India, it has brought a message and an opportunity,” Sitharaman quoted the prime minister.

She stated that at the moment’s bulletins will probably be about 7 steps taken by the government – MGNREGA, well being & schooling associated steps, enterprise & Covid-19, decriminalization of Companies Act, ease of doing enterprise, public sector enterprises, state govt assets.