The World Bank has approved a $286 million loan to strengthen healthcare access for more than 90 million people in West Bengal, marking a significant boost to the state’s public health infrastructure and service delivery systems.
The funding will support the West Bengal Health System Reform Programme Operation, aimed at improving personalised and patient-centric healthcare services across the state. A key focus of the programme is the early detection and management of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes through digital tracking and outcome-based monitoring.
The initiative also seeks to enhance the resilience of healthcare facilities against extreme weather events, improve the measurement of health outcomes, and strengthen governance across the state’s health systems. By linking financing to verified results, the programme aims to address systemic gaps that have limited access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable communities.
The loan, provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, carries a final maturity of 16.5 years, including a grace period of three years. According to the World Bank, the programme will deliver more equitable and higher-quality healthcare services, with measurable benefits for women, adolescents and individuals living with chronic illnesses.
West Bengal has made steady progress in healthcare outcomes over the past two decades. Infant mortality has declined significantly, while life expectancy in the state stands above the national average. Fertility rates have also fallen to among the lowest in the country.
Despite these gains, challenges persist, particularly in reproductive, maternal and adolescent healthcare. Several districts, including Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Malda and Uttar Dinajpur, continue to face gaps in healthcare access and outcomes. Adolescent pregnancy rates remain high, contributing to maternal mortality concerns.
The World Bank said the programme is designed to build on the state’s existing strengths while addressing persistent disparities, ensuring that healthcare improvements translate into better economic opportunities and quality of life for citizens.
