IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will work with the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh to enable three public hospitals to offer advanced diagnostics services such as dialysis to low- and middle-income people.

The Andhra Pradesh state government has sought IFC’s advice on upgrading diagnostic services at public hospitals in Kurnool, Vishakhapatnam, and Warangal under a public-private partnership. The government is committed to expanding access to affordable and quality health care for its citizens and is exploring new partnerships to strengthen health care provision.

Through its first infrastructure advisory health-sector project in India, IFC will support development of a comprehensive policy framework for public-private partnerships in the local health sector. The framework will enhance performance of the public health and medical systems, improving the availability of quality health care in the state, especially to low- and middle-income groups.

“By partnering with IFC, we not only will benefit from IFC’s global experience in developing a sustainable public-private partnerships framework but also kickstart a larger effort to leverage the private sector for improving public health,” said J Sathyanarayana, principal secretary for Health and Family Welfare, Andhra Pradesh government.

IFC’s advice will include identifying priority areas for health care partnerships, developing a strategy for guiding private investment in health service delivery, establishing guidelines for public-private partnership initiatives, and building an institutional management capacity.

“Through this initiative, we hope to pave the way for partnering with Andhra Pradesh in making high-quality health care services affordable for underserved groups,” said Rachel Kyte, IFC vice president for Business Advisory Services, currently on a visit to India. Kyte signed an agreement with AP state government.

In India, IFC’s health care portfolio is about US$ 170 million and includes investments in Apollo Hospitals, Max Healthcare, and Rockland hospitals.

IFC’s experience in helping improve health services includes public-private partnership projects in Lesotho and Romania, and it also is involved in a project in Mexico. The goal is to attract private investment to improve use of resources and expand availability of quality services.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, creates opportunity for people to escape poverty and improve their lives.