World Bank Approves $286 Million Loan to Strengthen Healthcare System in West Bengal

The World Bank has approved a $286 million loan for the West Bengal Health System Reform Program Operation, marking a major step towards improving public healthcare, quality of life, and life expectancy across the state.
 

The long-term program aims to ensure wider and more equitable access to quality healthcare, particularly for people aged 30 years and above. A key focus will be on personalized healthcare services supported by digital tracking of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes, which continue to affect millions across West Bengal.
 

Focus on High-Priority Districts
 

Special attention will be given to Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Malda, and Uttar Dinajpur, where the initiative will:
 

• Improve access to quality healthcare services
• Reduce regional and social healthcare inequities
• Strengthen maternal and adolescent health outcomes
• Enhance the efficiency of the public healthcare system

Long-Term Healthcare Reform
 

The loan comes with a 16.5-year maturity period, including a three-year grace period, enabling the state to implement sustainable and long-term health system reforms rather than short-term interventions.

At Kolkata Calling, we see this development as a significant step towards building a stronger, more inclusive healthcare system in West Bengal, ensuring quality healthcare reaches every community.