IImage: PTI
 

After facing considerable flak for the lapse of insurance cover for families of the healthcare workers who died of Covid-19 while on duty, the Central Government has extended the Rs 50 lakh insurance scheme by a year, reported the media.

The Union Minister (Health), Dr. Harshvardhan tweeted that the insurance scheme will be extended till April 20, 2022. “During the #CoronavirusPandemic, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) has provided a safety net to the dependents of #CoronaWarriors who lost their lives to #COVID19. I’m glad to announce that this scheme has now been extended for a period of one year with effect from today”, he said.

During the #CoronavirusPandemic, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package(PMGKP) has provided a safety net to the dependents of #CoronaWarriors who lost their lives to #COVID19

I’m glad to announce that this scheme has now been extended for a period of one year with effect from today pic.twitter.com/KDa6h8lBWn

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) April 20, 2021

Indian Politician Rahul Gandhi, who has tested positive for Covid-19, called the Government of India “utterly ungrateful” as a reaction to this move on April 19.

GOI, you are utterly ungrateful. pic.twitter.com/bXQd7tp7d9

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 19, 2021

Last month itself, the Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had informed the States about the conclusion of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package that provided for a safety net to all families of frontline workers who have succumbed to the virus, as per some media reports. India is facing an unprecedented crisis in its second wave with numbers touching a new peak every day. According to an Indian Express report, India has reported a record breaking 2.95 lakh cases and almost 2,000 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Amid such rising cases of infection, Serum Institute of India’s Covishield vaccine will be available to state governments at Rs. 400 per dose and private hospitals at Rs. 600 a dose. It is currently selling its vaccine at Rs. 150 per dose to the central government.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT pic.twitter.com/bTsMs8AKth

— SerumInstituteIndia (@SerumInstIndia) April 21, 2021

This announcement by the Pune based vaccine manufacturers has come two days after the Centre has decided to open up vaccinations against Covid-19 to those above the age of 18 years after May 1.
 

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