World Bank approves Rs 2458 crore loan for Kerala's health sector

NEW DELHI: The World Bank has approved a loan of $28 crore (around Rs 2,458 crore) for projects in Kerala’s health sector. According to a World Bank press release, the funding aims to improve the life expectancy and quality of life of the elderly and medically vulnerable populations in the state. The loan has a 25-year tenure, including a five-year grace period.

Under the project, bedridden patients and elderly people will receive medical care at home. The project also envisions building a comprehensive and climate-resilient health system to address emerging challenges.

People registered with lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure will be provided with personal electronic tracking systems to monitor their health. Measures will also be taken, in collaboration with local bodies, to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.

The project will focus on improving primary health care systems in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Palakkad, and Alappuzha districts, and on preventing diseases caused by heatwaves and floods.

Lifestyle disease monitoring

• Personal electronic trackers for patients with lifestyle diseases
• 40% increase in blood pressure screening
• 60% increase in cervical and breast cancer screening
• Implementation of the e-Health service