The government has launched a new project worth Tk1127 crore aiming to enhance testing facility of Coronavirus hospitals across the country.

The project titled ‘Covid-19 Emergency Response and Pandemic Preparedness’ will boost testing facility of the virus in selected hospitals, Member of Social Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission Abul Kalam Azad told Business Mirror Wednesday.

“The project also aims to procure necessary equipment for proper medication for Coronavirus patients apart from testing facility in the country,” the official added.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will implement the project where the World Bank infuse major fund Tk 850 crore. The remaining Tk277 will come from the government exchequer, Mr. Azad said.

According to the proposals, the tenure of the project will expire on June 2023 but the implementing body is considering completing it in one and a half years.

“We have sent it to the Prime Minister for approval immediately as the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting has been postponed, ” Abul Kalam Azad said.

The Board of World Bank approved Tk850 crore to contain Covid-19 in Bangladesh.

The WB allocated the loan to Bangladesh from its $ 160 billion fast-track fund. The credit has a 30-year maturity, including a five-year grace period with 2 percent interest rate.

The Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina already given her consent and approved it and asked the authorities concerned to start the works immediately.

“Honourable Prime Minister directed us to launch the work under he project immediately so that we can start testing Coron patient all government hospitals across the country,” he said.