Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 24: The World Bank has approved a $280 million programme to strengthen Kerala’s healthcare infrastructure, improve access for 11 million elderly and vulnerable residents, and build systems resilient to climate change.
According to a World Bank statement issued on Friday, the Kerala Health System Improvement Program will enhance disease management, digital healthcare, and home-based care. The initiative, financed through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), comes with a 25-year maturity period and a five-year grace term.
The programme will enable 90% of hypertension and diabetes patients in Kerala to be electronically tracked and supported. It will also roll out home-based medical services for bedbound and elderly citizens.
“Good health empowers people, creates jobs, and drives economic growth. Strong, resilient health systems help economies better respond to emergencies,” said Paul Procee, the World Bank’s Acting Country Director for India.
Highlighting Kerala’s strong health record — with maternal mortality at 19 per 100,000 live births and infant mortality at 4.4 per 1,000 — the Bank said the new programme will target a 40% increase in hypertension control and 60% growth in cervical and breast cancer screenings among women.
The plan also includes digital upgrades, expanded eHealth platforms, integrated data management, and cybersecurity improvements. Primary health centres in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Palakkad, and Alappuzha will adopt climate-adaptive measures to combat extreme heat and floods.
“Kerala has adopted a One Health approach,” said Deepika Chaudhery and Hikuepi Katjiuongua, the project’s Task Team Leaders, adding that the initiative will ensure 8.5 million people receive timely trauma and emergency care through a multi-level system.
