Filenews 21 September 2021 - by Eleftheria Paizanos
Around €40,000 per day was paid in August by the Ministry of Health, for conducting rapid antigen tests for Covid-19. From the beginning of the pandemic until the end of August, the state paid more than €26 million to private individuals for the purchase of such services.
The figures came to light during the discussion of the 4th supplementary budget, amounting to €91.7 million. According to data submitted to the House Standing Committee on Finance, the amount of €16.8 million is not enough to cover the purchase of services, of which €10 million it is for conducting the rapid test. Also, an amount of €7 million. will be spent on the purchase of a specific medicine received by coronavirus patients and €7.7 million. for the purchase of vaccines.
The Director General of the Ministry of Finance George Pantelis, speaking in parliament, noted that part of the money will be allocated for the purchase of vaccines for the third dose. In the meantime, MEPs have also asked for explanations for the €11.5 million funds to enhance domestic tourism as well as for €6.3 million to support air transport.
As the General Manager of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism Theofanis Tryfonos said, from September 2020 until the end of June 2021, 105,000 people benefited, individuals, who realized 235,000 overnight stays. From January to June 2021, 75,000 people benefited with 190,999 overnight stays, while for the summer period (July-August) 78,000 participated in the plan, with 280,000 overnight stays. Meanwhile, the €6.3 million budget is not enough to support air transport for the transport of tourists, which has been approved by the Commission. Opposition MPs have argued with the ministry about the vagueness of the €30m fund that they included in the budget in relation to the pandemic, claiming that the Parliament is called upon to give a blank cheque to the government, without giving sufficient clarifications. Mr. Pantelis said that the €30 million is not enough as it is an item included in the reserve. Mr. Pantelis announced that in October the Ministry will submit a 5th supplementary budget, which will cover state funding needs.
