Kerala announces Rs 20,000 Cr COVID package in maiden budget

Thiruvananthapuram: The second term Left government led by Chief Minister Pinararayi Vijayan has set aside Rs 20,000 crore for COVID treatment and management in the maiden state budget presented by the Finance Minister KN Balagopal.

"It would include Rs 2,800 crore for emergency Covid situation; Rs 8,900 crore for those who have had serious issues with their livelihoods; Rs 8,300 crore will be used for providing interest subsidies," Balagopal said.

While criticizing the Centre's vaccine policy, noting the unprofessional nature of vaccine export, the first time minister added that Rs 1,000 crores has been set aside to ensure that all over 18 years would be provided free vaccines in the state.

While Rs 635 crores has been allocated for strengthening health centres statewide and setting up new blocks in medical colleges, Rs 50 lakh has been kept for setting up a centre similar to the US-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

After the Rs 20,000 crores covid package introduced by Pinarayi last year, this is the next covid package in the state.

"Covid pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the economy and we have decided to consider the health sector as of prime importance," said Balagopal in his speech in the assembly.