Guwahati (The Stellar News): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $300 million loan to strengthen and improve access to comprehensive primary health care in urban areas in India, said a statement issued today from ADB’s headquarter in Manila (Philippines). “Onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has put pressure and revealed weaknesses in India’s health care system. In response, the Union government in New Delhi launched Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (PMASBY) to strengthen public health systems and respond to future pandemics and other emergencies,” said the statement.
The program is expected to benefit an estimated 256 million urban residents, including 51 million from the slum areas of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal. It will strengthen the institutional capacity, operation, and management of urban health and wellness centers at the central, state, and municipal levels. It also aims to address the ongoing corona-challenges while ensuring continuous provision of non-corona health services.
It will conduct awareness and education campaigns on health and nutrition, including preventive measures and strategies. “Delivery and health information systems for primary health care will be upgraded through digital tools, quality assurance mechanisms, and
engagement and partnership with the private sector,” stated the statement adding, “ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous,
inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.”
