India and Italy signed
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhanced cooperation in the health
sector, here today. Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family
Welfare and Ms. Beatrice Lorenzin, Health Minister of Italy signed the MoU in
the presence of senior officers from the Health Ministry and a high level
delegation from Italy.
Shri J P Nadda stated
that both the countries share a strong and rich traditional
relationship which has been enhanced by high level visits. Also, there is a
mutual interest in the promotion of stronger ties in the health sector, he
added. The MoU recognizes the potential for exchanges in the health sector
between the two countries and the need to tap the capabilities and
opportunities in a focused and comprehensive manner, Shri Nadda stated.
The objective of this MoU
is to establish comprehensive inter-ministerial and inter-institutional
cooperation between the two countries in the field of health by pooling
technical, scientific, financial and human resources with the ultimate goal of
upgrading the quality and reach of human, material and infrastructural
resources involved in health care, medical education & training, and
research in both countries.
The main areas of
cooperation include:
·
Exchange
& training of medical doctors, officials, other health professionals and
experts;
·
Assistance
in development of human resources and setting up of health care facilities;
·
Short
term training of human resources in health;
·
Regulation
of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics and exchange of information
thereon;
·
Promotion
of business development opportunities in pharmaceuticals;
·
Procurement
of generic and essential drugs and assistance in sourcing of drug supplies;
·
Procurement
of health equipment and pharmaceutical products;
·
Collaboration
in the prevention of NCDs of mutual interest, such as neurocardiovascular
diseases, cancer, COPDs, mental health and dementia, with an emphasis on SDG3
and related factors;
·
Collaboration
in the field of climate change impact on communicable diseases and vector borne
diseases;
·
Nutritional
aspects of food intake, including malnutrition (over-nutrition and under-nutrition)
in the light of the SDG2 and organization of nutritional services;
·
Safety
of production, transformation, distribution and food delivery;
·
Research
and training of food industry operators;
·
Information
and communication to citizens on hygiene and food safety and healthy eating
habits; and
·
Any
other area of cooperation as may be mutually decided upon.
*****
MV/SK