World Bank approves $100 million to strengthen healthcare system

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors – on Friday – approved $100 million in financing for the Nepal Quality Health Systems Programme operation, 

The Programme will improve the quality of healthcare services and increase the coverage of health insurance, and enhance the capacity of the healthcare system to prepare for and respond to health emergencies in Koshi and Gandaki provinces, according to a press note issued by the World Bank, Kathmandu Office.

“By prioritising and investing in health, Nepal can reap multiple benefits including improved health outcomes, increased productivity, and economic growth,” World Bank country director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka Faris Hadad-Zervos said, adding that the World Bank supports Nepal’s goal to put quality at the core of health system policy and planning and service delivery.

The Programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Health and Population with the coordination of the Health Insurance Board at the federal level, and provincial and local governments in Koshi and Gandaki provinces to help achieve the strategic objectives of Nepal’s Health Sector Strategic Plan, 2022-2030. “These include enhancing efficiency and responsiveness of the health system, promoting sustainable financing and social protection in health, and promoting equitable access to quality health services,” the press note reads.

“The Programme supports the implementation of federalism and builds on Nepal’s first Programme for Results in the health sector to address the challenges of access and quality and to build a resilient public health sector,” practice manager for Health, Nutrition and Population, South Asia Region Dr Feng Zhao said, adding that the results achieved under this Programme have the potential for scale-up to other provinces.

The financing for the Programme is complemented by a $3.84 million grant from the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HEPR) Trust Fund. The HEPR Trust Fund supports eligible countries and territories to improve their capacities to prepare, prevent, respond, and mitigate the impact of epidemics on populations.