The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL) officially announced the signing of a $10-million loan portfolio guarantee in an effort to improve access to capital for healthcare providers in Tier II & Tier III cities. Through the risk-sharing agreement signed between USAID and DHFL, the Mumbai-based lender will be able to provide up to $10 million to small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in the health sector in India, prioritizing lending to women entrepreneurs.
Through this partnership, USAID and DHFL intend to achieve the following:
Increase outreach to de-risk and improve access to finance for the Indian healthcare sector, especially breaking barriers for women entrepreneurs so they can establish or expand their healthcare enterprises and services, buy equipment to improve diagnosis and treatment in their communities, and improve the viability of their enterprises.
Deepen collaboration with various borrowers throughout India, especially in Rajasthan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh; and
Ensure improved access to quality, affordable healthcare and better health outcomes for underserved communities.
