The World Bank, in cooperation with the Tamil Nadu state and the central government of India, has approved a loan agreement amounting to $287 million. The funding is allocated for the implementation of the “Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Program” designed to improve the quality of healthcare in Tamil Nadu, reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and address equity gaps in reproductive and child health services.
Objectives of the Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Program
The Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Program focuses on several critical areas to upgrade the public health sector’s capabilities. These objectives include seeking national accreditation for primary, secondary, and tertiary-level health facilities; enhancing physicians, nurses, and paramedics’ skills through continuous medical education; and introducing improvements in healthcare quality.
One of the key initiative under this program is to promote population-based screening, treatment, and follow-up for NCDs. The strategy also targets strengthening laboratory services and boosting health provider capacity to handle mental health issues more efficiently.
Boosting Citizen-State Communication
To ensure transparency and facilitate public participation, the program reckons to strengthen the feedback loop between citizens and the state by making health-related data accessible to the public. This will allow citizens to be aware of the ground situation and health trends in their locality.
Addressing Road Injuries
Road injuries are another major concern tackled within the program. Measures initiated include improving in-hospital care, strengthening existing protocols, beefing up 24×7 trauma care services, and establishing a comprehensive trauma registry.
| Tamil Nadu Health Indicators | 2005 | 2015-16 |
|---|---|---|
| Maternal Mortality Rate(per 100,000 live births) | 90 | 62 |
| Infant Mortality Rate(per 1,000 live births) | 30 | 20 |
Tamil Nadu’s Achievements: NITI Aayog Health Index
A significant testament to the improvements in Tamil Nadu’s healthcare is its ranking in the NITI Aayog Health Index. It holds the third position among all Indian states. The state’s maternal mortality rate has seen a considerable dip, declining from 90 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2005 to 62 deaths in 2015-16. Likewise, infant mortality has decreased from 30 deaths per 1000 live births to 20 in the same period.
