The World Bank on Friday (October 24, 2025) said it has approved a $280-million (over 2,450 crore) loan for a health system programme in Kerala to improve the life expectancy and quality of life of 11 million elderly and vulnerable people.
The programme aims at treating and supporting over 90% of the patients registered for hypertension and diabetes in Kerala through individual electronic-tracking mechanisms. It will also establish a home-based care model for the bedridden, housebound, and vulnerable elderly to provide comprehensive health services.
The $280-million Kerala Health System Improvement Programme will build a more comprehensive health system resistant to climate shocks. It will also strengthen Kerala’s digital health systems through expanded eHealth services, integrated data platforms, and enhanced cybersecurity.
“The programme will ensure a 40% increase in patients whose hypertension is controlled and 60% increase in cervical and breast cancer screening for women to accelerate efforts to end preventable deaths,” said Paul Procee, World Bank’s Acting Country Director for India.
The programme will engage with local self-government bodies such as grama panchayats and municipal corporations, adopt standard protocols and procedures for antibiotic use, and address zoonotic disease outbreaks by fast-tracking reliable laboratory information for patients.
Primary health facilities in the districts of Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Palakkad, and Alappuzha will also adopt climate-led solutions to improve energy efficiency and manage extreme heat and floods.
The loan from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 25 years with a grace period of five years, the World Bank said.
Published – October 24, 2025 08:53 pm IST
