ADB Approves $108 Mn Loan to Strengthen Public Health System in Mizoram

Aizawl: The Asian Development Bank has approved a $108 million results-based loan to support the Government of Mizoram in strengthening its public health care system and achieving universal health coverage.

The program aims to improve equitable access to affordable and high-quality health services for the state’s 1.38 million residents, with a special focus on women, older persons, and people with disabilities.

The initiative, titled ‘Supporting Public Health Care System Strengthening to Achieve Universal Health Care for Mizoram Programme’, will support the rollout of the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme.

First-of-its-kind reform in India

With ADB’s support, Mizoram has become the first state in India to undertake this type of comprehensive reform of its universal health care system. The new Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme brings all citizens under a single health insurance umbrella by integrating subsidised and contributory mechanisms.

The scheme consolidates existing central and state health insurance programmes, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Mizoram State Health Care Scheme, into a seamless, cashless, and paperless platform. This approach is designed to ensure that poor and vulnerable populations receive free health coverage while improving access to quality medical care across the state.

Coverage and financing structure

Under the scheme, families will receive health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year. The state government will fully bear the cost for poor and vulnerable households. Other households will contribute a premium, while government employees will pay a fixed portion of their salary toward the scheme.

This blended financing model is intended to ensure long-term sustainability while maintaining equity in access to health services.

Addressing disease burden and climate risks

The program targets Mizoram’s high burden of noncommunicable diseases and cancer, which together account for more than 50 percent of the state’s disease load. It also addresses the state’s vulnerability to health risks associated with extreme weather events.

Environmental adaptation measures, including public awareness campaigns and disaster preparedness, will be integrated into health service delivery.

Strengthening health systems and continuity of care

The program will link primary health care services with secondary and tertiary care through the universal health care scheme, ensuring a continuum of care and timely treatment. It will also strengthen the institutional capacity of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, primary care units, and the Mizoram State Health Care Society, which is responsible for implementing the scheme.

According to ADB, the initiative will help Mizoram build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable public healthcare system.