West Bengal Health System Reform Program Operation approved with USD 286 million loan

Key facts

• The World Bank (WB) approved the 'West Bengal Health System Reform Program Operation' with a USD 286 million loan to improve quality of life and life expectancy through equitable healthcare access.
• The program will 'support the delivery of personalised healthcare services across the state for people aged 30 and above through digital tracking of non-communicable diseases ( NCDs ) such as hypertension and diabetes.'
• The 'USD 286 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 16.5 years, including a three-year grace period.'
• Target beneficiaries include 'boys, married adolescents, and healthcare providers' through the strengthening of gender-based violence (GBV) services.
• In the five districts of 'Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Maldah and Uttar Dinajpur, the Program will improve access to quality healthcare services and reduce inequities in maternal and adolescent health.'
• The initiative aims to 'bring a patient-centric care approach to the state's health systems, improve health outcome measurement, and enhance healthcare facilities' resilience to extreme weather events.'