USD 328 million World Bank loan for improved health services in Andhra Pradesh

The Government of India, Government of Andhra Pradesh and the World Bank Executive signed a loan agreement of USD 328 million to help improve the quality and responsiveness of public health services in Andhra Pradesh.

The state of Andhra Pradesh has over the years demonstrated a strong commitment to improving health outcomes. In 2017-18, it allocated 5 percent of its total public expenditure towards health and has initiated significant steps towards strengthening its public health system.

Maternal mortality ratio in the state declined by 52 percent and infant mortality fell to 35 per 1,000 live births from 54 over the decade from 2005. Ninety-three percent of women now opt for institutional deliveries.

Despite these positive steps, there exist disparities within the state in coverage of maternal and child health services and quality of service delivery. Non-communicable diseases are also on the rise and form 60 percent of Andhra’s burden of disease.

The World Bank loan will support the Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) as it scales up its efforts to bring better health care to all its citizens, especially pregnant women and those at risk of non-communicable diseases, like hypertension, diabetes and cervical cancer.

“Andhra Pradesh has been fully committed to improving its health outcomes of its citizens. The project will support the state in adopting innovative and technologically-driven approaches to improve access and quality of health services,” said Country Director, World Bank India, Junaid Kamal Ahmad.

An important innovation in this project is the creation of pilot electronic sub-centers which will help those at risk of non-communicable diseases at the sub center or village level.

“Today, a primary health care facility exists for every 5,721 population on average in Andhra Pradesh and a secondary/tertiary care facility exists for every 200,000 population in the state. A continued focus on the quality of care and availability of services will ensure quality health services to all, especially the poor,” said the World Bank Task Team Leader for the project, Mohini Kak.

Original source: World Bank
Published on 27 June 2019