Budget 2021: FM Sitharaman Announces 35,000 Crore For Covid Vaccine, Healthcare Spend Increases By 137 Per Cent To Rs 2.23 Lakh Crore

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman in her historic ‘never before’ budget has allocated Rs 35,000 Crore for COVID19 vaccination drive for the Financial Year 2021-22.

Minister reiterated that the Modi government is committed to provide more funds if required.

Sitharaman also announced that the total budget outlay for the healthcare sector will stand at Rs 2.23 lakh crore for Financial Year 2021-22. This will be an increase of 137 per cent as compared to the last year.

India has completed vaccinating 37 lakh healthcare workers as of the 15th day of its nationwide immunization drive against COVID-19 on Saturday (30 January).

It should be noted that the Government is aiming to vaccinate over 30 crore high-risk groups by July. These include healthcare workers, frontline workers and the elderly and those with any comorbidities.