India’s public healthcare infrastructure gets $1B boost from World Bank
- ByStartupStory | March 3, 2023
India and the World Bank have signed two loans of $500 million each to support the country’s healthcare infrastructure, with the combined financing of $1 billion aimed at enhancing the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). The flagship program was launched in October 2021, and the World Bank’s financing will help improve public healthcare infrastructure across India, according to a statement by the multilateral funding agency.
The World Bank and India have signed two loans worth $1 billion to support the country’s healthcare infrastructure, with a focus on the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. One of the loans will prioritize healthcare delivery in seven states. The agreement was signed by Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, and Auguste Tano Kouam, World Bank India Country Director.
Auguste Tano Kouam stated that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical requirement for enhancing health systems globally and preparedness for pandemics. He further emphasized that pandemic preparedness is a worldwide public necessity.
The two projects will aid India’s efforts to enhance the resilience and preparedness of its healthcare systems against future pandemics, benefiting the populations of the participating states while generating positive spillover effects for other states, said the statement. India’s health indicators have improved significantly in recent years, with the country’s life expectancy at 69.8 in 2020, up from 58 in 1990, according to World Bank estimates, surpassing the average for its income group.
The infant mortality rate (30 per 1,000 live births), under-five mortality rate (36 per 1,000 live births), and maternal mortality ratio (103 per 100,000 live births) are all close to India’s income level average, indicating significant progress in critical services such as skilled birth attendance and immunisations. However, the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the necessity for revitalising, reforming, and enhancing the ability to perform basic public health functions, as well as enhancing the quality and scope of healthcare service delivery, according to the statement.
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