TheCovid-19pandemic posted complex and grim challenges to the state besides placing an unprecedented financial burden. But it also presented a unique opportunity for AP to scale up its Health infra and medical care, which will come in handy during future emergencies.
As per the statement made by chief ministerYS Jagan Mohan Reddyduring the recent state-level bankers committee meeting, the state has so far spent about Rs 8,000 crore on multiple interventions for prevention, mitigation and management of the Covid-19.
This expenditure was incurred on establishment of labs, testing, procurement of medicines, ventilators, Oxygen supply, Vaccines, third wave preparation, and other measures.
Andhra Pradeshis the first state to include Covid-19 treatment in the list of illnesses covered under its healthcare scheme (Dr YSR Aarogyasri). In the first wave itself, about one lakh patients availed free treatment underAarogyasrischeme, which cost the exchequer of the state to the tune of Rs 310 crore.