The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a Rs 23,123 crore package to boost emergency response and healthcare systems, including funding for 20,000 additional ICU (intensive care unit) beds and the setting up of paediatric units in all districts, ahead of a potential third wave of Covid-19 in the country.
At a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after the expansion and reshuffle of portfolios, the Cabinet approved the second phase of the package.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, among the new Ministers to assume office earlier on Thursday, said the first phase had been approved in 2020 and had helped in increasing the number of dedicated Covid-19 facilities.