Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) the details of funds disbursed by the Government to States/UTs for procurement of PPEs and N95 masks for frontline healthcare workers and number of PPEs procured so far, State/UT-wise;
(b) whether Government has taken steps to provide mental health support to healthcare workers during the pandemic; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) In the initial part of the pandemic, with taking cognizance of limited availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) of requisite standards in the country, Government of India supported States/UTs and Central Government Institutions with supply of PPEs and N95 masks. State-wise details of PPE Kits and N-95 masks supplied to States is as Annexure I.
In addition, all the States/UTs are provided with necessary financial support under India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package. During FY 2020-21, state wise details of allocation and release to the States/ UTs as on 10.09.2020 is at Annexure II.
(b) and (c) National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) has issued a detailed guidance on ‘Caring for Health Care Warriors-Mental Health Support During COVID-19’. The guidance covers Organizational as well as Individual Interventions to enable mental health support to COVID warriors. In addition, audio-visual aids addressing psychosocial concerns of healthcare workers have been issued and widely circulated by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Inspirational series for Healthcare Service Personnel touching upon a wide range of subjects such as expressing gratitude and support, facilitation, addressing discrimination and social stigma etc. have been made available on the website of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.