The increase comes within the framework of the health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his presentation before Congress to support the Public Budget Bill for the 2021 Fiscal Year, Martos highlighted the inclusion of measures to comply with the commitment to providing all protection elements to health personnel and thus ensure continuity of free-of-charge health care services.
The Cabinet chief also stressed that the supply of medicines and oxygen required by COVID-19 patients is ensured.
Thus, S/1.365 billion (about US$385.58 million) is allocated for the care of patients and containment of the pandemic.
In addition, he indicated, an additional investment of S/927 million (about US$261.85 million) has been planned to strengthen strategic interventions in universal insurance, mental health, as well as purchase and distribution of medicines.
Last weekend, the Executive Branch submitted to Parliament the 2021 General Budget bill, whose priorities are health and emergency care, education, the protection of the most vulnerable groups, as well as the country's economic reactivation.