New Delhi, Nov 24, : , India and the Asian Development Bank signed a $300 million loan to improve and strengthen access to primary health care in urban areas.The loan will benefit more than 256 million urban dwellers, 51 million of whom are from slums. The programme will encourage greater utilisation of urban HWCs, with the provision of comprehensive primary care packages including non communicable diseases (NCDs), and community outreach services like awareness raising activities about health care options for women.Digital tools, quality assurance mechanisms and engagement with the private sector will improve the delivery and management of primary health care.
“Ensuring equitable access non-Covid-19 primary healthcare is crucial amid the challenges posed by India’s health care system pandemic,” said Takeo Konishi (Country Director of ADB India Resident Mission).He stated that the programme is a complement to the government’s efforts at bridging the health care gap by strengthening institutional capacity, operation and management of urban wellness and health centres at the municipal, state and central levels.
Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, signed the agreement on India’s behalf for strengthening comprehensive primary health care and pandemic preparedness for urban areas.Takeo Konishi was signed for ADB.
Rajat Mishra stated that the programme supports India’s key health initiatives, Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres(AB-HWC), and Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana [PM-ASBY], which have been renamed Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (“PM-ABHIM) by increasing availability and access to high-quality primary health care services, particularly for urban populations.
The program will be implemented in urban areas of Andhra Pradesh and Assam, Chhattisgarh.Gujarat, Haryana.Madhya Pradesh.Maharashtra.Rajasthan.Tamil Nadu.Telangana.
The ADB Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction has provided a $2 million technical assistance grant to support the programme implementation, coordination, capacity building, innovation and knowledge sharing.
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