India / All districts to have infectious diseases hospital blocks: FM

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said the government will increase investment in public health, focusing on grass-root level institutions like infectious disease centres in every district and diagnostic labs in every block.

"We should see the opportunity in this crisis. Public expenditure on health will be increased. Investments in grass-root health institutions will be raised. Health and Wellness Centres in rural and urban areas will be ramped up," she said, announcing steps as part of the government's COVID-19 economic package.

The government also announced steps to prepare the country for any future pandemic.

All districts will have infectious diseases hospital blocks. Lab and surveillance networks will be strengthened," Ms Sitharaman announced.

"This or any pandemic that pose a challenge we need to be prepared. There will be an emphasis on hospitals and labs - both privately and publicly funded," she said.

The government will also encourage research and implement a National Digital Health Blueprint.

Nirmala Sitharaman has been announcing details of the government's Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus programme to deal with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic over the last five days.

A majority of the measures announced have been all about liquidity measures with negligible extra budget spending.

The government has announced a variety of steps for small businesses, street vendors, farmers and poor migrants, but they have largely been either credit guarantee schemes or new fund creations to be shouldered by banks and financial institutions.