NEW DELHI : The Centre will set up public laboratories at every block to increase testing capacity at the grass-roots, as part of its plans to ramp up India’s health infrastructure to address health emergencies.
The proposal for strengthening health infrastructure comes amid the coronavirus outbreak, with India’s case count nearing the 100,000 mark.
There are 7,096 blocks across 736 districts, according to the government. “Public expenditure on health will be increased. All districts will have infectious diseases blocks.
There will be integrated public health labs in all districts at the block level. Health and wellness centres in urban and rural areas will also be increased," finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday.