On Friday, the World Bank and India agreed to two complimentary loans totalling USD 500 million each to support and improve the nations healthcare system. The bank will support Indias Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), launched in October 2021, to improve the public healthcare infrastructure across the nation, through this combined financing of USD 1 billion (roughly Rs 8,200 crore), according to a statement from the multilateral funding organization.

Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, and World Bank India Country Director, Mr. Auguste Tano Kouame, signed the agreement.

According to Mr. Kouame, the COVID-19 pandemic served as a strong reminder that pandemic preparedness is a global public benefit and brought to light the critical need for pandemic preparedness and health system strengthening worldwide.

He further added that COVID-19 highlighted the necessity of revitalizing, reforming, and expanding capacity for the fundamental public health care system, as well as increasing the quality and thoroughness of health service delivery.