‘Ayushman Bharat failed to provide oxygen, beds’: Prashant Kishor

Political strategist Prashant Kishor, on Sunday slammed the Centre for having ‘failed to provide beds and oxygen to COVID-19 patients during the second wave of the pandemic. Taking to Twitter, Kishor hit out at the government’s move to support children, who have lost their parents due to COVID-19, calling it a ‘masterstroke’, redefining ’empathy and care for children’.

“Another typical #MasterStroke by #ModiSarkar this time redefining EMPATHY and CARE for children ravaged by #Covid and its catastrophic mishandling. Instead of receiving much-needed support NOW, the children should feel POSITIVE about a PROMISE of stipend when they turn 18,” he said in a tweet.

He also hit out at the Ayushman Bharat scheme and said that the scheme which covers healthcare needs of 50 crore Indians ‘FAILED to provide bed/oxygen when needed’.

577 children orphaned during the second wave of COVID-19
Kishor’s tweets came in response to PM Narendra Modi’s assurance that the government will take care of children who have lost both their parents to COVID-19. “Supporting our nation’s future! Several children lost their parents due to COVID-19. The Government will care for these children, ensure a life of dignity & opportunity for them. PM-CARES for Children will ensure education & other assistance to children,” PM had said.

According to a press release issued by the PMO, the PM CARES fund will contribute towards creating a corpus of Rs 10 lakh for each child when he or she reaches 18 years of age. According to the data released by the Centre, 577 children were orphaned during the second wave of COVID-19 after they lost both their parents to the deadly pandemic. In a statement on Saturday, the government also said that it will take care of children’s education in line with the RTE guidelines. Times Now