Asian Development Bank Approves USD 170 Million Loan to Strengthen India’s Health System
New Delhi (TIP) – In a significant move to bolster India’s healthcare infrastructure, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a USD 170 million policy-based loan to enhance the nation’s health system. This loan is a component of the Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems (SMART Health) Subprogram 1, which aligns with the Indian government’s National Health Policy 2017.
The National Health Policy 2017 aims to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to all citizens while preparing the country to face future health crises effectively. The approved funds will be instrumental in filling crucial gaps within India’s health system, especially in terms of its capacity to manage and respond to potential pandemics.
Sonalini Khetrapal, ADB Senior Health Specialist, highlighted the significant lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of innovative practices. “The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us valuable lessons and adoption of several innovative practices that would significantly strengthen pandemic preparedness and response capacities if consolidated, sustained, and institutionalized. ADB has been working with the Government of India to strengthen its health system and adopt transformative solutions,” she stated.
Khetrapal further elaborated on the loan’s impact, emphasizing its role in addressing policy, legislative, and institutional governance gaps. “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,” she added.
Historically, India has faced numerous public health challenges, from combating infectious diseases like malaria and tuberculosis to addressing the recent COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges have underscored the need for a robust healthcare system capable of responding effectively to both existing and emerging health threats.
The program will prioritize the establishment of comprehensive disease surveillance systems for effective public health threat responses. This includes creating extensive laboratory networks for infectious disease surveillance across state, union, and metropolitan levels. Such measures will ensure a coordinated and efficient response to emerging health threats.
ADB’s initiative will also develop robust data systems for monitoring and coordinating national health programs, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the poor and women. These advanced data systems are essential for improving governance and making informed decisions in health service delivery.
A critical component of the project is the implementation of policy reforms to ensure the presence of an adequate and competent health workforce. This includes enacting legislation to regulate and maintain standards for the education and professional conduct of nurses, midwives, allied health workers, and doctors.
To strengthen on-the-ground healthcare delivery, the program will support public health teams in various states, enhancing their capacities to provide essential health services. Moreover, integrated public health laboratories in five states and districts will see improvements in managing infectious diseases and critical care services.
The enhancement of district critical care hospital blocks will ensure better management of critical illnesses and health emergencies. Additionally, the initiative will focus on establishing green and climate-resilient healthcare facilities through an intersectoral governing body and a multisector task force, ensuring that health infrastructure is sustainable and can withstand climate-related challenges.
ADB’s support will also facilitate the adoption of innovative solutions to improve health service delivery, guaranteeing that the health system remains responsive and adaptable to changing needs.
With these efforts, India is poised to significantly enhance its healthcare system, making it more resilient and better prepared for future health challenges.
Source: ANI
