Studies are being carried out on conditions like aortic and lung inflammation, and mucormycosis

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is carrying out post-Covid studies at clinical registries across the country.

It has established a Covid clinical registry at 20 sites across the country to capture clinical treatment and outcomes of Covid-19.

This is limited only to hospitalized patients. Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Bharti Pravin Pawar stated in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Post-Covid studies are being carried out on various conditions like aortic and lung inflammation, and mucormycosis. Expert groups are working on modules/guidelines on various post COVID conditions/issues.

The Government of India has also advised the States to establish post-Covid clinics in appropriate health facilities to cater to the needs of people suffering from different conditions, the minister said.

At the same time, the Government of India has provided the required technical support and has also supported all the states through logistic and financial support to further strengthen the existing health infrastructure to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Union Government has provided financial support to States/UTs for ramping up Health Infrastructure and support all aspects of management of COVID-19, Pawar said in reply to another question in the Rajya Sabha.

During the F.Y. 2019-20, funds to the tune of Rs.1113.21 crore was released to the States/UTs under NHM.

In September 2020, the Union Government allowed the states to spend maximum 35% of annual allocation of funds under SDRF for the financial year 2019-20. The ceiling was further enhanced to 50% during the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22 for containment measures of COVID-19.

During the FY 2020-21, funds to the tune of Rs. 8257.88 crore has been released to the States/UTs towards the India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package, Pawar said.

The ‘India COVID-19 Emergency Response & Health System Preparedness Package: Phase-II’ has also been approved by the Cabinet with Rs 23,123 crores (with Rs. 15,000 Cr as Central Component & Rs 8,123 Cr as State component).

So far Rs. 1827.78 crore has been released to States/UTs in 2021-22 under ECRP Phase-II in FY 2021-22.