ADB approves $170 million loan to strengthen health sector in India [Read More]

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $170 million policy-based loan aimed at enhancing India's health sector preparedness and resilience against future pandemics. This funding, allocated under the Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems (Subprogramme 1), will support the implementation of India's National Health Policy 2017. \r

The initiative seeks to achieve universal access to high-quality healthcare services nationwide. According to Sonalini Khetrapal, senior health specialist at ADB, lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic underscore the need for innovative practices to strengthen pandemic response capabilities. \r

The program will focus on governance improvements, legislation enhancements, and institutional capacity building to bolster disease surveillance, establish infectious disease monitoring networks, and develop robust data systems. Additionally, it aims to reform healthcare policy, enhance healthcare professional standards, and improve public health service delivery across targeted regions and demographic groups.