Infectious diseases not a worry any more: World Bank assistance for comprehensive plan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has decided to take a loan of 2,424.28 crores from the World Bank. This will be part of preventing infectious diseases in the state under the 'Kerala Health System Improvement Program'. The programme will have a tenure of four years.

The government has decided to launch the new programme with the realisation that the already existing programs such as Ardram, Arogya Jagrutha, and Karunya Arogya Suraksha Pathadi are not good enough to combat the diseases. Kerala has already achieved several health objectives scheduled to be achieved by 2030 at the national level. The present situation demands Kerala launch a comprehensive plan as the national-level programs will not be suitable for the state.

The World Bank will be giving the loan under the Program for Result (P for R) financial assistance scheme. The government is not allowed to use the loan amount for constructing buildings or for infrastructure development. The plan is aimed at improving living standards, and life expectancy, resisting diseases and avoiding premature deaths.

Main Aims

• Special service with the help of local bodies for taking care of the health of elderly people
• More number of doctors, nurses, medicines and vaccinations.
• More applications will be circulated widely in the medical field. The government will extend its financial help in the field.
• Network of 24*7 emergency trauma care service facilities including ambulance and trauma registry.

The government has decided to implement the Kerala Health System Improvement Program with big development plans on the bucket list- Minister Veena George.