Over MVR 280 million had been spent on COVID-19 efforts up until April 2nd, says Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer.

While speaking to the parliament's Committee on Economic Affairs, Minister Ameer stated that a total of MVR 280 million has been arranged for the country's health sector as of April 2nd, in connection to COVID-19 efforts.

He also stated that the government's goal to reduce costs by MVR one billion can be achieved, as government offices have undergone an MVR 825 million budget cut and have stopped seeking new hires.

While the government has undertaken many measures to counter the economic impact of COVID-19, public health is the government's main priority, said the minister, adding the government is prepared to take on whatever costs to ensure the safety of the people.