World Bank approves USD 32 million project to improve health services in Mizoram

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has recently approved a USD 32 million project to improve quality of health services and management capacity in Mizoram, a world bank statement said recently.

According to the statement, the project titled “Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project” is expected to strengthen the governance and the management structure of the Mizoram Health department and its subsidiaries. It will improve the quality and coverage of services delivered by the state government health systems, and invest in a comprehensive quality assurance programme which would enable quality certification of health facilities.

The key focus will be to strengthen the effectiveness of the state health insurance programme, build synergies with the Government of India’s Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna, and thereby reduce financial barriers in accessing hospital services, prevent catastrophic out of pocket expenditure for health by poor families and expand coverage. The project will also benefit healthcare personnel by strengthening their planning and management capabilities along with building their clinical skills and competencies.

Junaid Ahmad, World Bank Country Director in India, stated, “This project will support the state government’s efforts to deliver quality healthcare for the poor and vulnerable and those located in remote areas.”