New Delhi, Jul 3 (KNN) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 170 million policy-based loan to India, aimed at enhancing the country's health system preparedness for future pandemics, according to the Union Ministry of Finance.

The loan agreement, titled "Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems Programme (Subprogramme 1)," was formalised on Tuesday.

Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, signed on behalf of the Indian government, while Mio Oka, Country Director, ADB's India Resident Mission, represented the bank.

This financial assistance is expected to support India's ongoing efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, ensure the adequacy and quality of health professionals, and promote climate-resilient public health infrastructure and service delivery.

The program aligns with key 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 bolster human resources in healthcare.

The program focuses on enhancing disease surveillance systems and multi-sectoral response capabilities, strengthening human resources for health, expanding climate-resilient public health infrastructure, and developing innovative service delivery methods.

It aims to establish laboratory networks for infectious disease surveillance at state, union, and metropolitan levels, and improve data systems for monitoring national health programs.

The loan will also support policy reforms to ensure adequate and competent health professionals, including legislation to regulate education standards and professional conduct in the healthcare sector.

Furthermore, the loan will facilitate the management of integrated public health laboratories in five states and support the establishment of district critical care hospital blocks.

The program is also set to assist in creating green and climate-resilient healthcare facilities.

Mio Oka emphasised that this loan will help the Indian government address gaps in policy, legislative, and institutional governance structures, contributing to the country's goal of providing universal access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

This development marks a significant step in India's efforts to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and pandemic preparedness capabilities.

By focusing on key areas such as disease surveillance, human resources, and infrastructure, the loan aims to enhance India's overall resilience to public health emergencies and improve its capacity to respond effectively to future pandemics.

(KNN Bureau)