Odisha To Benefit As World Bank Commits $1 Billion To India For Public Healthcare Infrastructure

New Delhi: The World Bank and India on Friday signed two complementary loans of $500 million each to support and enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure, reported PTI.

combined financing of USD 1 billion (about ₹8,200 crore),

The global financial institution’s combined financing of $1 billion (Rs 8,200 crore approximately) will support the Indian government’s flagship Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), World Bank said in a statement.

One of the loans will prioritise health service delivery in Odisha and six other states — Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh – World Bank stated.

The agreement was signed by Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and World Bank India country director Auguste Tano Kouamé.

The funding will support India’s decision to increase resilience and preparedness of the country’s health systems against future pandemics, World Bank said.

It will be of great benefit for the population of states participating in the projects and generate positive spillovers for other states, felt the multilateral funding agency.