With the aim to extend relief to the people in the fight against the deadly coronavirus, the Yogi Adityanath government has released Rs 1,500 crore to different departments for purchase of life-saving drugs, personal protective equipment (PPE) and also to strengthen community kitchens set up across the state.
A government spokesman said that the UP government released the funds to various departments, realising that it was a trying time for the country.
“The government is committed to extending all possible help to the people during the lockdown and funds will be no hindrance in extending that,” the spokesman said.
“Of the total funds released, Rs 563 crore will be given to Health department out of which Rs 389 crore will be used for purchase of medical equipment for all district hospitals and Rs 100 crore for the purchase of masks, PPE, ventilators and RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) equipment. Besides, Rs 74 crore will be given to medical colleges and other medical institutions to purchase equipment to fight the coronavirus,” he said.
The official said that the government also sanctioned Rs 215 crore for managing community kitchens across 75 districts of the state. The funds will also be used to setting up temporary shelter homes, and providing food and water to the people quarantined there.
“The government has released an additional Rs 750 crore for the 75 districts of the state. Out of this fund, Rs 10 crore will go to the PL accounts of each district magistrate to be utilised to extend relief to the needy,” the spokesman said.
He further said that the fund allocation would ensure that all hospitals and medical institutes were able to purchase medical equipment as per requirement.
“They do not need to get government sanction for fulfilling this need. This will save precious time and expedite treatment of patients,” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary (Health) Amrit Mohan Prasad said that during his video conferencing with the chief minister on Thursday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked the state to gear up in the crucial phase of the lockdown.
“There is nothing better than prevention; social distancing and frequent hand washing are two very potent tools in this process,” the official quoted the prime minister.
“The prime minister also suggested that now people moving around should wear mask to prevent the virus spread. Modi also asked the state to take extra care of senior citizens and people staying at old age homes,” the spokesman said.