Centre distributes 1.28 Cr PPEs and 10 cr HCQ free of cost to states
New Delhi, August 13, (HS) In an effort to contain Covid-19 from spreading, the Centre has distributed over 3.04 crore N95 masks and over 1.28 crore PPE kits to states, union territories and Central institutions free of cost in the last five months. Besides, the government has also delivered over 22,000 ‘Make in India’ ventilators.
Along with augmenting Covid-19 facilities, the Union Government has been providing medical supplies free of cost to the State/UT governments to supplement their efforts. Most of the products supplied by the Centre were not being manufactured in the country in the beginning. The rising global demand due to the pandemic resulted in their scarce availability in foreign markets.
With the combined efforts of different ministries including Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Pharmaceuticals, DRDO and so on, the domestic industry has been encouraged and facilitated to manufacture and supply essential medical equipment like PPEs, N95 masks, ventilators and other equipments during this period.
As a result, resolve for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ has been strengthened and most of the supplies made by the Union Government are domestically manufactured.
Since March 11, 2020, the Union Government has distributed equipments to different States/UTs/Central Institutions, free of cost. Also, over 10.83 crore HCQ tablets have been distributed to them.
In addition, 22533 ‘Make in India’ ventilators have been delivered to various States / UTs / Central Institutions. The Centre is also ensuring their installation and commissioning.
