New Delhi (NVI): Amid the rising coronavirus cases in the country, the Centre today released a financial package of Rs 890.32 crore to states and union territories in order to tackle the deadly pandemic.
Notably, this is the second tranche of financial package released by the Centre. The money released by the Centre will be used by 22 states and UTs to strengthen the infrastructure to tackle COVID-19.
The first installment of Rs 3,000 crore was released in April by the centre to all states and union territories.
On March 24, a fund of Rs 15,000 crore was announced as part of the ‘Whole of Government’ approach where the Centre is leading the COVID-19 response and management, and supporting the States/UTs through technical and financial resources, the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package by the Prime Minister.
In addition to this, the states will be able to use this fund to procure things like beds, testing kits, etc.
As part of this package, States and UTs have been strengthened with 5,80,342 isolation beds, 1,36,068 oxygen supported beds and 31,255 ICU beds. Also, 86,88,357 testing kits and 79,88,366 Vial Transport Media (VTM) have been procured by them. As many as 96,557 human resource has been added and incentive has been given to 6,65,799 HR. The package has aided provision of mobility support to 11,821 staff.
-CHK
