Package to fund 20,000 additional ICU beds, paediatric units in all districts, to name a few. The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a ₹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. The announcement comes at a time there are apprehensions about a third wave of COVID-19 affecting children more than before. Also read: Cabinet extends Agri Infra Fund loans to APMCsMr. Mandaviya said the package was aimed at preventing the problems observed during the second wave, including lack of transport facilities for oxygen and shortage of medicines, from happening again.

Source: The Hindu July 08, 2021 14:13 UTC