World Bank sanctions Rs 502 crore for TN's healthcare project

The World Bank has agreed to provide a loan of Rs 502.95 crore ($110.83 million) to Tamil Nadu for the implementation of 'Tamil Nadu Healthcare Development' scheme. This healthcare project will extend for a period of five years commencing from 2005.

A state government press release said that the total investment in the project would be Rs 597.15 crore -- of which the World Bank would fund a loan of Rs 502.95 and the Tamil Nadu government would contribute the remaining amount of Rs 94.20 crore.

The healthcare development scheme is aimed at the health concerns of the poor, rural people and women in particular. The project is aimed at developing about 270 hospitals. Pregnancy treatment, infant surgeries and crucial surgeries will be provided 24 hours around the clock will be available in 62 hospitals.

This healthcare project will be the first of its kind in South Asia for non-contagious diseases aimed at curing diseases like blood pressure and cancer to be implemented by the Tamil Nadu government.

The programme will also be targeted in providing first aid to highway accidents. This project will also provided good healthcare treatment after major surgery in government hospitals.