The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have joined forces to consolidate and strengthen India’s health system preparedness and response capacity for future pandemics. In a significant move, they signed a $170 million policy-based loan under the Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems Programme.

One of the primary aims of the program is to establish comprehensive laboratory networks for infectious disease surveillance at the state, union, and metropolitan levels. By setting up these networks, the program seeks to create robust data systems to monitor and coordinate national health programs, especially targeting vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, India’s One Health approach will see significant improvements. This approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, will enhance the multisectoral response to emerging infectious diseases, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response to health threats.

The program underscores the importance of having adequate and competent health professionals and workers. New legislation will be introduced to regulate and maintain high standards of education, services, and professional conduct for nurses, midwives, allied health workers, and doctors. This regulatory framework will ensure that health professionals are well-trained and capable of delivering quality healthcare services.

The program will establish integrated public health laboratories in five states to address the growing threat of climate change on public health. Additionally, district critical care hospital blocks will be set up to improve services for infectious diseases and critical illnesses. These measures are designed to make the public health infrastructure more resilient to climate-related challenges.

ADB’s support through this loan will contribute significantly to India’s goal of providing universal access to quality and affordable healthcare services. This alignment with national initiatives ensures programs complement and enhance existing efforts to improve the health sector.