India has signed a loan agreement of 328 million dollars with the World Bank for improved health services in Andhra Pradesh.

The agreement which was signed in New Delhi on Thursday between the Government of India, Andhra Pradesh and the World Bank will help to improve the quality and responsiveness of public health services in Andhra Pradesh.

Finance Ministry said Andhra Pradesh has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving health outcomes.

Maternal mortality ratio in the state declined by 52 per cent and infant mortality fell to 35 per one thousand live births from 54. The Ministry said, ninety-three percent of women now opt for institutional deliveries in the state. Non-communicable diseases are on the rise and form 60 per cent of Andhra’s burden of disease.

The Ministry said the World Bank loan will support the Andhra Pradesh government to scales-up its efforts to bring better health care to all its citizens, especially pregnant women and those at risk of non-communicable diseases, like hypertension, diabetes and cervical cancer.