The government has spent close to Nu 8bn on COVID-19 prevention and management since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020. The expenditure involves procuring PPE, vaccines, quarantine logistics and food, and temporary shelters. According to the budget report, in addition, more than Nu 5bn was spent on Kidu grants to the people.
“About 58,659 individuals who lost their jobs have received kidu. From April 2020 to December 2021, His Majesty had spent more than Nu 5bn on Kidu. Likewise, to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak, the government, for the past years till now, has spent nearly Nu 8bn on COVID expenditure. Most of the expenses are incurred for quarantine expenses,” said Finance Minister Namgay Tshering.
Kelzang Choden
