The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $170 million policy-based loan aimed at strengthening India’s health system preparedness and response to future pandemics.
The loan agreement for the ‘Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems Programme (Subprogramme 1)’ was signed by Ms Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, representing the Government of India, and Ms Mio Oka, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, representing ADB.
Ms Mukherjee highlighted that the government significantly improved its pandemic preparedness during COVID-19 and stated that the ADB programme will further enhance disease surveillance, ensure the quality and availability of health professionals, and promote climate-resilient public health infrastructure and service delivery.
Ms Oka emphasized that the programme builds on ADB’s partnership with the Indian government to strengthen the health system and implement transformative solutions. She noted that the policy-based loan would address gaps in policy, legislative, and institutional governance, contributing to India’s goal of providing universal access to quality and affordable healthcare services to boost pandemic preparedness and response.
The programme aligns with major government initiatives, including the National Health Policy 2017, Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the National One Health Mission, and efforts to strengthen human resources for health (HRH). Key reform areas include:
- Strengthened disease surveillance and multisectoral response.
- Enhanced human resources for health.
- Expanded climate-resilient public health infrastructure and innovative service delivery.
The programme will establish laboratory networks for infectious disease surveillance at state, union, and metropolitan levels, and build robust data systems to monitor and coordinate national health programs for vulnerable groups. It will also improve the governance of India’s One Health approach and its multisector response to emerging infectious diseases.
ADB will support policy reforms to ensure a sufficient and competent health workforce, including legislation to regulate the education, services, and professional conduct of nurses, midwives, allied workers, and doctors.
Additionally, the programme will enhance integrated public health laboratories in five states, improve district critical care hospital services, and support the establishment of green and climate-resilient healthcare facilities. Innovative solutions for service delivery will also be a key focus.
