In the endeavour to curb the spread of Covid, the Himanta Biswa Sarma Government in Assam has undertaken numerous measures, conducting over 2.87 crore Covid tests at a cost exceeding Rs 416 crore, revealed Health and Family Welfare Minister Keshab Mahanta during the Assembly Session.
Responding to queries raised by BJP legislator Terash Gowalla in the Assembly, Mahanta disclosed over Rs 45 crore had been allocated for Covid vaccination efforts. The government-run facilities continue to offer doses to individuals, who had not previously been inoculated. From March 31, 2020, to February 2, 2024, a staggering 2,87,84,916 Covid tests were conducted across the State, amounting to a total expenditure of Rs 416.38 crore.
Mahanta further reported that 8,035 individuals had tragically lost their lives to the coronavirus in Assam, with the Kamrup Metropolitan district recording the highest number of fatalities at 1,447, followed by Dibrugarh (656) and Jorhat (527). Notably, 2,48,13,013 people administered the first dose of the Covid vaccine, while 2,21,50,254 individuals completed their vaccination with the second dose.
The State Government allocated Rs 45.19 crore for vaccine procurement. Mahanta asserted those, who are yet to receive the Covid vaccines can still avail themselves of the opportunity at government-run facilities. Under the Prathana Scheme, financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh was extended to the next of kin of 1,039 Covid victims by the State Government.
