(World Bank: Astana, Kazakhstan) -- The World Bank’s board of executive directors recently approved a US$117.7 million loan for the Kazakhstan Health Sector Technology Transfer and Institutional Reform Project. The project will introduce international standards to the Ministry of Health and related health-care institutions.

The state Health Care Reform and Development Program adopted by Kazakhstan for 2005-2010 sets ambitious goals. To succeed, the reform will require more than simply building new facilities and buying modern equipment. The new project will promote an increase in the level of technical and managerial expertise in Kazakhstan health sector, along with bringing in international experience, expertise, and standards to complex areas such as reforms in health-care financing, health-care quality improvement, medical education, and health information systems.

“This project is not only necessary for the health sector but is also an important step forward in the government’s overall program of public administration and public financial management reform,” says Sergei Shatalov, World Bank country manager for Kazakhstan.

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