India signs $ 100 million financing agreement with World Bank

NEW DELHI (INDIA):A financing agreement for IDA credit of US$ 100 (equivalent) for the “Uttarakhand Health Systems Development Project” was signed here with the World Bank .nnThe Financing Agreement was signed by  Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of Government of India and Hisham Abdo, Acting Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank. A Project Agreement was also signed by Dr. Neeraj Kharwal, Additional Secretary (Health), Government of Uttarakhand and Hisham Abdo, Acting Country Director, World Bank.nnThe objective of the project is to improve access to quality health services, particularly in the hilly districts of the State, and to expand health financial risk protection for residents of the State. The project will benefit the residents of hilly districts in particular.nnThe project has two main components, (i) Innovations of engaging the private sector; and (ii) Stewardship and system improvement. Out of the total project size of USD 125 million, USD 25 million will be the counterpart contribution of the State Government.nnThe planned design of the Project consists of multiple self-contained clusters of clinical services managed by operators on a PPP basis, providing services for free or at nominal charges, backed up by a robust oversight and monitoring mechanism fully integrated with the expanded health insurance program in the State. This will be concurrent with strengthening the state?s capacity to implement the project.nnThe closing date of Uttarakhand Health Systems Development Project is 30th September, 2023.