The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a $170 million policy-based loan aimed at enhancing India’s health system preparedness and capacity to manage future pandemics. This loan is part of the Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems (Subprogram 1), designed to support India’s National Health Policy 2017. The policy strives to ensure quality healthcare services for all citizens.

Key Initiatives Under the Program

Strengthening Disease Surveillance Systems:

• The program will fortify disease surveillance systems to effectively address public health threats.
• Establishment of laboratory networks for infectious disease monitoring at state, union, and metropolitan levels.
• Development of robust data systems to oversee and coordinate national health programs, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the poor and women.

Enhancing Governance and Coordination:

• Improving governance and coordination of India’s One Health approach, which is a multisectoral response to emerging infectious diseases.
• Ensuring better management and coordination across various health sectors to build a more resilient health system.

Supporting Health Workforce Policy Reforms:

• ADB will assist in policy reforms to ensure a sufficient and competent health workforce.
• Legislation will be enacted to regulate and maintain education standards, services, and professional conduct for nurses, midwives, allied workers, and doctors.
• The program will aid public health and management teams in selected states to enhance public health functions and service delivery.

The ADB’s $170 million loan underscores a significant effort to bolster India's health system against future pandemics. By enhancing disease surveillance, improving governance and coordination, and supporting critical policy reforms for health professionals, this program aims to create a resilient and responsive health infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the National Health Policy 2017's goal of providing quality healthcare services to all, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups.