ADB Approves $170 Mn Loan to Enhance India's Pandemic Response Capabilities

This initiative, termed the Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems, aligns with India's National Health Policy 2017, which aims to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services.

In a move to bolster India's healthcare infrastructure against future pandemics, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a substantial $170 million policy-based loan.

This initiative, termed the Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems (Subprogram 1), aligns with India's National Health Policy 2017, which aims to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services.

ADB's Senior Health Specialist Sonalini Khetrapal emphasized, "The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for robust pandemic preparedness. ADB's collaboration with the Government of India focuses on fortifying healthcare systems through sustainable and institutionalized practices."

Focus on Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure

The program targets several key areas to enhance India's healthcare readiness. It bolsters disease surveillance systems across state, union, and metropolitan levels.

Additionally, investments will be made in establishing laboratory networks dedicated to infectious disease surveillance. This initiative aims to build resilient data systems for monitoring national health programs, particularly benefiting disadvantaged groups such as the poor and women.

"This policy-based loan addresses critical gaps in policy, legislation, and institutional frameworks. It aims to foster universal access to affordable healthcare services and strengthen pandemic preparedness," Khetrapal highlighted.

The program also focuses on enhancing India's One Health approach, which integrates multiple sectors to combat emerging infectious diseases. It will support reforms to ensure an adequate supply of skilled healthcare professionals, including legislation to maintain high standards across medical professions.

Furthermore, the initiative will facilitate the management of integrated public health laboratories in five states and establish district critical care hospital blocks. These measures are designed to improve service delivery for infectious diseases and critical illnesses, specifically emphasizing climate-resilient healthcare facilities.

Founded in 1966, ADB aims to promote prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainability across Asia and the Pacific region. It consists of 68 member countries. The loan underscores their ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty and enhance healthcare resilience.