World Bank aims to provide healthcare to 1.5 billion people by 2030, says ET HealthWorld

In an effort to expand access to affordable healthcare, the World Bank Group has set a new goal to assist 1.5 billion people by 2030. This initiative aims to provide services in remote areas, reduce financial barriers, and prioritize lifetime care for individuals. By partnering with private-sector firms, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups, the World Bank plans to achieve this target through a combination of financing and expertise in the health sector.

According to the World Bank, approximately 2 billion people worldwide face significant financial challenges when seeking healthcare services. Factors such as climate change, pandemics, conflicts, societal aging, and a projected shortage of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030 are exacerbating this issue. World Bank President Ajay Banga emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to expand healthcare access and provide a basic standard of care for individuals throughout their lives.

The World Bank’s International Development Association fund will focus on bringing healthcare workers to communities where access to services is limited in the poorest countries. Additionally, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development will support middle-income countries in incentivizing government investments in health and creating regulatory frameworks to attract private-sector investments in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

Furthermore, Japan is launching a knowledge hub on its universal healthcare system to enhance the capacity and expertise of other healthcare ministries, with support from the World Bank and the World Health Organization. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of global partnerships in achieving the goal of affordable and accessible healthcare for 1.5 billion people by 2030.