World Bank Boosts Kerala Health with $280M Loan

The World Bank has approved a USD 280 million loan to fortify Kerala's health system, aiming to enhance life expectancy and quality of life for 11 million elderly and vulnerable individuals. The program includes electronic tracking for chronic diseases, home-based care, and measures to strengthen digital health systems.

The World Bank announced on Friday the approval of a USD 280 million loan supporting Kerala's health system. The program targets improvement in life expectancy and quality for 11 million elderly and vulnerable people, focusing on wider access to health coverage and resilient health systems.

Key components include individual electronic tracking for hypertension and diabetes, home-based care for bedridden patients, and efforts to increase cancer screening rates, aiming to curb preventable deaths. The scheme also strengthens digital health infrastructure with enhanced cybersecurity.

Additionally, the project enables local government engagement and adopts climate-resilient solutions across primary health facilities. It's structured with a 25-year maturity loan term from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development, along with a five-year grace period.

(With inputs from agencies.)