World Bank pledges over Rs 500 cr for health projects

The World Bank today pledged over Rs 500 crore for implementation of various health projects under the second phase of the Tamil Nadu Health Scheme.

The World Bank on Tuesday pledged over Rs 500 crore for implementation of various health projects under the second phase of the Tamil Nadu Health Scheme.

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With the first phase ending in March this year, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had approached the World Bank through the Centre, seeking more financial aid for health projects aimed especially at women and child welfare, a state government press release here said.

World Bank has pledged Rs 564.94 crore for three years, with the government contributing over Rs 62 crore. This sum would be used in projects like prevention of breast cancer scheme and procuring more vehicles for the 108 free ambulance services besides others, it said.

Further, the two signed a pact for additional grants towards upgrading roads in the state to a length of more than 1000 km, it said, adding that officials from World Bank and respective state government departments signed the understanding in the presence of Karunanidhi in Chennai.