Centre gives NE states Rs 1,300 crore to manage Covid; Mandaviya holds meet to push vaccine drive in region

Union Health ministerMansukh Mandaviyahas said theCentrewill provide Rs 1,300 crore Covid-response package to thenortheast.

Utilising this financial aid, from local to district level, medicine procurement, Oxygen stock availability, an increase of hospital beds, including ICUs and pediatric beds, will be done.

On concerns over a possible third wave hitting the country, Mandaviya said the government is prepared to handle the Covid situation even if the number of cases rises in the coming days. Going by Population, Rs 23,000 crore is being distributed among all states. More than Rs 1,300 crore, out of it will be given to the northeastern states, the minister informed.

Mizoramcontinues to top the tally with the highest number of active Covid cases in the northeast with 8,880 cases. Assam has 7,707 active cases, followed by Manipur (6,270), Meghalaya (3,761) and Arunachal Pradesh (1,836). Tripura andNagalandhave 1,538 and 1,153 active cases respectively.