Coronavirus: Bihar Government To Bear Full Expenses Of Treatment Of Patients, Says Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

With the number of coronavirus positive cases rising in India, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced that the state government will bear all expenses of the treatment of patients tested positive for deadly COVID-19 in the state. Kumar said this on the state Assembly on Monday. He also announced that the treatment cost will be provided by the chief minister’s relief fund. “The state government will bear the entire expenses of treatment of patients who have tested positive for novel coronavirus. It will be covered under Mukhyamantri Chikitsa Sahayata Kosh Yojana,” Kumar said at the state Assembly.

The chief minister said that in the event of any casualty because of the disease in the state, the next of kin of each deceased will be given Rs 4 lakh as compensation Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Nobody has so far been tested positive for the coronavirus in the state. However, there are around 57 suspects in the state.

Kumar also spoke about the measures being taken to prevent the spread of the pandemic. These included the closure of educational institutions, cinemas and public parks till March 31. He said Group C and Group D personnel of all government departments have been asked to report for duty on alternate days in order to prevent crowding on office premises. ‘Intensive screening’ of people is also being carried out at all transit points.

The Budget session, which was scheduled to end on March 31, has also been cut short in view of the coronavirus outbreak. The Assembly has been adjourned sine die due to this pandemic.

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"Those with symptoms are being quarantined at government expenses for the stipulated period of time. Medical infrastructure is also being strengthened to facilitate early detection and hospitals are being equipped with additional ventilators and isolation wards," he added.