New Delhi, Mar 24 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced allocation of Rs 15000 crore to strengthen healthcare infrastructure to fight coronavirus in India.

In a televised speech, he said: "Today the Centre has decided to give Rs 15,000 crore for testing facilities, personal protection, isolation beds, ICU beds, ventilators and training medical and paramedical staff. Healthcare should be the only priority of every state government."

The PM also sought support from the private sector in healthcare to come forward and support the country in these tough circumstances. "Private labs and hospitals should come forth to extend their support to fight coronavirus," he added.

He emphasised that the country is at a stage where our action will decide on our ability to contain the outbreak of coronavirus.

"We need to fulfil the promise-- do not step out of the house. We also extend our best wishes to people who are out working everyday for the betterment of the society - doctors, paramedical staff, and pathology lab staffers. "Think about them... they are working day and night to protect people and also the staff of the hospital. They are working under extremely demanding circumstances," he said.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of people who sanitize the local areas, media persons who are working day and night in the face of transmission of this virus; and also the police officials who are also working round the clock to maintain law and order.

"Centre and state governments are working at their full potential so that people do not face difficulty in everyday life, and also essential commodities are made available without any delay," he added.

Modi also made a special mention of the poor people who are facing extreme circumstances in the view of the lockdown, and appealed to civil society and other members of the society to support them in this period.

"We have to prioritize whatever is necessary to protect people's lives. WHO and health experts, government has taken decision. Rumours often find space under these circumstances. Please stay away from any rumour..... Without a doctor's advice do not take any medicine. I believe every person will follow the direction of the government. 21 days is a long time but it is essential to save people's lives. I believe every citizen will fight it back. Please follows the laws and accept these restrictions," he said.