Andina

Peru's President: Health is priority in 2021 budget

ANDINA/Prensa Presidencia

13:29 | Lima, Aug. 31.

President Martin Vizcarra on Monday stressed that health sector is the priority in the general budget draft for the 2021 fiscal year, which was recently submitted to Congress.

During a meeting with representatives of the Peruvian College of Nurses, the Head of State noted that the greatest resources must go hand-in-hand with regulations which modernize the health care system in the country.

"It is an arduous task, but if there is willingness to face it, we will become successful," said the top official, who praised the efforts undertaken by nursing professionals in the fight against COVID-19.

The health sector's budget amounts to S/20.940 billion (about US$5.915 billion) —an increase of 13%, which is the highest in the last three years. It is aimed at meeting the health emergency and financing the needs emerged from the pandemic.

The statesman thanked nursing professionals for the efforts made in the face of the pandemic —a situation that "demands the greatest effort of all citizens."

Likewise, the top official said that there are nearly 100,000 nurses who provide great support in terms of health care services, lamenting that 71 have lost their lives doing their job.

Similarly, Mr. Vizcarra noted that he will welcome the proposal of the Peruvian College of Nurses on health promoters and to strengthen the primary care level.

He also reaffirmed that the Government is willing to coordinate with all sectors to achieve the goals such as overcoming the difficult situation generated by the current pandemic.

(END) VVS/CVC/MVB

Published: 8/31/2020