India invites Brazil to invest in medical ties
Monday, 28 July 2008, 19:30 IST
Printer Print Email Email
New Delhi: India Monday called on Brazilian pharma industry to invest in clinical trials as the country has emerged as a hub in the sector. Speaking at a meeting with his Brazilian counterpart Jose Gomes Temporao, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said Brazil could "utilise the expertise of India in clinical trials for which India is a hub." "India has been providing cost-effective and high quality medical treatment which is being used by people from many countries," he said at the bilateral meeting. Temporao is leading a 20-member delegation from Brazilian health sector. Ramadoss also sought Brazil's support to earmark October 2 as World No Alcohol Day. He stressed the need for cooperation in the field of research because of the paucity of new drugs with respect to diseases afflicting poorer countries. Both the countries can have cooperation in various areas, including chronic diseases, alcohol, cardio-vascular diseases, tobacco control, bio-technology and organ transplantation, said a statement issued here by the ministry. "We need to develop, in association with the WHO (World Health Organisation), the capacities of other developing countries in legislating and implementing their intellectual property right regimes in a manner that would maximize public health gains," he said. "This visit will strengthen the long existing and historical ties between the two countries besides the bilateral cooperation in the field of health and medicine," he said. Earlier, while speaking in a meeting with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Temporao said Brazil's new production development policy that has incentives for foreign participation would help strengthen bilateral ties. He identified health policies, sanitary regulations, traditional medicines and production of medicines and medical equipments as potential areas of cooperation between India and Brazil. India had earlier signed an agreement with Brazil in 1998 in the field of health and medicine, which envisages cooperation in the areas of biotechnology, health and pharmaceutical products, management of public health system, traditional medicines, infectious diseases, maternal and child health care and family planning.
Source: IANS
siliconindia