Lok Sabha Question No. 2164 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-10
Subject: Assistance to Gujarat during COVID-19 Pandemic
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Rajeshbhai Naranbhai Chudasama

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION. No 2164 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 TH  December, 2021

## ASSISTANCE TO GUJARAT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

## 2164.  SHRI RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state-

- (a) the extent to which the opportunity given by COVID-19 pandemic for strengthening health infrastructure in the country could be materialized, particularly at the primary level;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that Gujarat is one of the top States which is conducting COVID-19 tests in the country, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details of financial and other assistance sought by the State Government of Gujarat and extended by Government during the COVID time?

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

## ANSWER (DR BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) to (c) Government of India has worked towards the challenge posed by COVID-19 pandemic to further strengthen the existing public health system, research &  development and manufacturing capabilities available with the country for mitigating the impact of public health emergencies. This has been exemplified by capacities developed indigenously for manufacturing of  Personal  Protective  Equipment,  testing  kits,  testing  reagents,  ventilators  etc.,  for  many  of which India was reliant on imports previously.

Committed to universalization of quality and affordable healthcare services as envisioned under National Health Policy 2017, Government of India under Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness centers  initiative  has  established  76,773  Health  and  Wellness  Centres  (HWCs).  Further,  under PM-ABHIM, steps are taken for strengthening of Health and Wellness Centers in villages and cities for early detection of diseases as well as by addition of new critical care-related beds at district level hospitals.

As on 8 th December 2021, as reported by the State, Gujarat has so far conducted  2,57,85,702 COVID-19  tests.  For  the  last  2  weeks  (25 th November  to  8 th December  2021),  Gujarat  has conducted an average of 2,70,068 COVID-19 tests per week.

Government  of  India  is  supporting  States  in  their  endeavor  to  manage  COVID-19  since  the beginning of pandemic. Requisite support is provided to States/UTs to enhance preparedness and response capacities against COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. Various initiatives have been undertaken by the Government to provide technical guidance and further strengthen health  infrastructure,  availability  of  essential  logistics  including  drugs  and  medical  oxygen supply to manage COVID-19.

States/UTs  have  also  been  provided  financial  support  through  various  avenues  including National  Health  Mission  and  State  Disaster  Response  Funds.  Further,  as  special  package  to strengthen  healthcare  infrastructure  across  the  country  financial  assistance  has  been  provided under Emergency COVID-19 Response Packages.

During  the  FY  2020-21,  funds  to  the  tune  of  Rs.  8257.88  crore  has  been  released  to  the States/UTs  towards  the  ECRP.  This  provided  support  to  States  for  health  infrastructure strengthening, expansion of laboratory network, surveillance and contact tracing, procurement of PPEs,  N-95  masks,  ventilators  etc.  Of  this,  Rs.  304.16  Crore  have  been  released  to  State Government of Gujarat.

In addition, ECRP -II has also been approved by the Cabinet with Rs 23,123 crores (with Rs. 15,000 Cr as Central Component & Rs 8,123 Cr as State component) and is implemented from 1 st July  2021.  This  includes  support  to  State/UT  level  for  ramping  up  health  infrastructure including those in rural, tribal and peri-urban areas closer to the community, providing support for procurement of drugs and diagnostics to enhance service delivery at district and sub district levels  for  management  of  COVID-19  cases  (including  pediatric  care)  and  for  maintaining  a buffer of drugs, support for  IT Interventions such as implementation of Hospital Management Information  System  (HMIS)  and  expanding  access  to  tele-consultations  in  all  districts,  and support for capacity building and training for all aspects of management of COVID-19. A total of Rs. 239.61 crore has been released for the State of Gujarat so far.