Mamata seeks Rs 1,500 crore health package from Centre

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday sought a special health package of Rs 1,500 crore for Bengal from the Centre, to aid its war against COVID-19. She also announced details of the West Bengal Emergency Relief Fund, in which people from all walks of life can donate cash or material to bolster the state's resources.

Stating that the Centre is yet to provide even a single pair of gloves to fight against the disease, Banerjee said: "Whatever we are doing comes from the state's exchequer, even after clearing debt of crores of rupees. So we urge people from all walks of life, corporate houses and even the NRIs from the state to come forward so that the battle can be won collectively."

She also provided the details of the bank account in which one can donate cash for the West Bengal Emergency Relief Fund. The account number is 628005501339 and the IFSC code is ICIC0006280. For more details, one may also visit www.wbgov.in.

In case anyone wants to help by donating materials, they can contact additional secretary of the state Health department at 9051022000.

Meanwhile, the state Trinamool Youth Congress donated Rs 1 crore to the emergency relief fund. In this connection, national president of the party Abhishek Banerjee tweeted: "The West Bengal Trinamool Youth Congress has donated Rs 1 crore to the emergency relief fund supporting @MamataOfficial and the state government's efforts in combating COVID-19. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our people in these tough times. We will win this battle together!"

In a bid to ensure support to health workers, the Chief Minister on Wednesday stated that the state Public Health Engineering department will be providing packaged water named Prano Dhara. She also urged the hospital authorities to ensure food for the housekeeping staff who are posted at the hospitals.

In connection with the Centre announcing lockdown across the country by invoking National Disaster Management Act, Banerjee said that the act has been invoked for the first time.

"However, now we have to follow the same. But there are many areas that depend on the state governments. We will hold a review meeting on March 31 and the areas in which relaxations can be given will be decided depending on the situation," Banerjee said.

Stating that there is no clarity in the Centre's announcement of any packages to fight the disease, Banerjee urged the Centre to announce special food and health packages for all states and the same for the unorganised sector as well.

She also penned a song on Wednesday regarding the Coronavirus situation in the state.