Kumaraswamy launches WB-aided health scheme

Bangalore, Dec 19 (UNI) A Rs 897.79 crore World Bank-aided Karnataka Health System Development and Reform Scheme, aimed at increasing utilisation of essential curative public health services in underserved areas, was launched by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kumaraswamy said he was happy that the scheme, the first of its kind in the country, was aimed at providing health care to the needy in rural areas. All health centres throughout the State would soon be provided with necessary facilities for treating the poor, he declared.

Explaining the scheme in detail, Health and Family Welfare Minister R Ashok said the scheme had three components, covering a broad spectrum of areas such as organisation development, establishment of a service improvement challenge fund, a public health competitive fund and strengthening of public-private partnerships and pilot trials with health insurance for the poor in particular. It also covered basic health interventions such as immunisation, safe delivery, pre and post natal care, prevention and treatment of diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections and major communicable diseases, he added.

UNI SR GD GM1515