Kerala govt receives USD 400 million from world bank for health system upgradation
About 70 per cent of the funding, or USD 280 million (Rs 2,400 crore), will come from the World Bank, with the rest provided by the state government.
Thiruvananthapuram: In a major relief for the state government, the world bank has approved a USD 400 million (around Rs 3,400 crore) loan to support the Kerala Health System Improvement Programme under the state Health Department.
The project, backed by financial assistance of 400 million US dollars (around Rs 3,400 crore), aims to strengthen Kerala's public health systems and improve their efficiency, an official release.
About 70 per cent of the funding, or USD 280 million (Rs 2,400 crore), will come from the World Bank, with the rest provided by the state government.
Of this, 70 per cent (280 million dollars or around Rs 2,400 crore) will be funded by the World Bank, while the rest will be provided by the state government.
According to the statement, Kerala prepared a detailed project report and submitted it to the Centre after receiving preliminary approval in 2023.
The World Bank's general body gave its final nod after a series of discussions between the state and the Bank.
Health Minister Veena George said the project would bring major developments to the state's health sector.
Designed under the Programme for Results (PforR) model, the initiative aims to ensure a higher standard of living and longer life expectancy, and to help people lead lives free from preventable diseases, accidents and premature deaths.
The programme will bring together various departments to respond more effectively to emerging challenges, including those caused by climate change.
It also seeks to develop a stronger ecosystem for preventing non-communicable diseases, enhance preparedness for new health threats, and strengthen emergency and trauma care services through an efficient 24/7 response network with ambulances and trauma registries.