PANAJI
Even as cases continue to rise, seven months into the pandemic, the State government has till date spent around Rs 117 cr in controlling the spread of the deadly virus.
Data reveals that maximum funds have been utilised through the Health Department which has spent around Rs 72.34 crore for the procurement of medicines and other related equipment.
Also, Goa Medical College and other hospitals have spent around Rs 44.50 cr for Covid relief work.
Most of the expenditure has been done on an emergency basis and expenditure sanction was obtained post-facto by placing the bills before the Cabinet.
Around 40 per cent of the fund which has been utilised for Covid relief has come directly from State’s coffers. The government has spent around Rs 43.31 crore from its coffers while another Rs 16 crore has been spent from District Mineral Fund.
Some funds were also spent from the grant received under Central Aryogya Mission. Also, money has been spent from the State Covid Fund and grant from the Ayush Ministry.
Although the government has spent crores of rupees in containing the virus spread, the rising number of cases does not paint a rosy picture.
The pathetic condition and facilities at care centres and government hospitals treating Covid patients has also provided food for thought with a majority of Covid-positive patients now opting for home isolation.
The confirmed Covid cases have crossed the 35,000 mark of which 30,000-odd people have recovered.
