ADB approves $170m loan to strengthen India’s health systems

The initiative is in support of the government’s National Health Policy 2017 to provide quality healthcare to all.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $170m loan to improve India’s health system preparedness and response to future pandemics, in support of the government’s National Health Policy 2017.

“This policy-based loan will help fill the gaps in policy, legislative, and institutional governance and structures and contribute to India’s goal of providing universal access to quality and affordable health care services to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response,” ADB Senior Health Specialist, Sonalini Khetrapal, said.

According to the bank, the Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems programme will advance disease surveillance systems to effectively respond to public health threats.

Moreover, the programme will support the establishment of robust data systems to monitor and coordinate national health initiatives for the poor, women, and other vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, the bank aims to bolster policy reforms that ensure adequate and competent health professionals and workers, including legislation to regulate and maintain standards of education, services and professional conduct of nurses, midwives, allied workers, and doctors. 

Furthermore, the programme will assist in managing integrated public health laboratories in five states and district critical care hospital blocks to advance services for infectious diseases and critical illnesses.