The Indian government has signed two loans of $500 million each with the World Bank (WB) to support the Public Health Systems for Pandemic Preparedness Program (PHSPP) and the Enhanced Health Service Delivery Program (EHSDP). The combined financing of $1 billion will be used to support the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).
Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
The PM-ABHIM is a scheme that is set to be implemented between 2021 and 2026. The scheme has been designed to fill critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance and health research across both rural and urban areas in India. The scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with some Central Sector Components.
Objectives of PM-ABHIM
The objective of the PM-ABHIM is to enhance India’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme aims to achieve the following:
- Develop a robust healthcare system in India
- Strengthen health infrastructure and provide quality healthcare services
- Improve access to healthcare services
- Promote the use of technology in healthcare delivery
- Improve health outcomes, particularly for the poor and marginalized
WB’s Support for PM-ABHIM
The $1 billion financing from the World Bank will support the PM-ABHIM. The WB will focus on seven states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, to prioritize health service delivery.
The financing will support the following areas:
- Pandemic Preparedness Program (PHSPP) The PHSPP aims to strengthen India’s public health system for pandemic preparedness. The program will provide technical assistance to the Indian government in the following areas:
- Developing and implementing a national pandemic preparedness plan
- Enhancing laboratory capacity for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases
- Strengthening surveillance systems for early detection and response to outbreaks
- Enhanced Health Service Delivery Program (EHSDP) The EHSDP aims to improve the delivery of health services in India. The program will provide technical assistance to the Indian government in the following areas:
- Developing and implementing a national health information system
- Strengthening health systems and service delivery in urban and rural areas
- Developing and implementing a national health insurance scheme
- Strengthening health workforce and management capacity
MCQs on Health Infrastructure Development
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What is the objective of the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)?
A. To provide financial support to private healthcare providers
B. To strengthen health infrastructure and provide quality healthcare services
C. To increase taxes on medical devices
D. To reduce the number of hospitals in India
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Which states will the World Bank focus on to prioritize health service delivery?
A. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan
B. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu
C. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal
D. Assam, Bihar, and Jharkhand
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Which program aims to strengthen India’s public health system for pandemic preparedness?
A. Enhanced Health Service Delivery Program (EHSDP)
B. Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
C. Public Health Systems for Pandemic Preparedness Program (PHSPP)
D. National Health Information System (NHIS)
