India, Netherlands discuss public health, drug regulation

Dutch Minister of Health, Edith Schippers called upon Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad here today.

Welcoming the visiting minister and her delegation, Azad noted that Schippers, a Masters degree holder in Political Science from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, is no stranger to India.

The two countries have much to learn from each other, he said.

"I appreciate your interest in the Indian experience in the field of innovation in healthcare service delivery, interventions in making health care affordable and our strength in producing good quality generic drugs at affordable prices," Azad said.

India is fourth largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the world in terms of volume and 13th largest in terms of value, he said, adding that the supply of meningococcal vaccine by the country has saved many lives in low and middle income African nations.

Indian generic drugs have also helped in bringing down the cost of treatment of various diseases worldwide, including HIV/AIDS and India's effort in making quality medicines affordable for the entire world has been acknowledged at many multi-lateral forums, Azad said.

Schippers said Netherlands currently spent 13 per cent of its GDP on health expenditure which amounts to 65 billion Euros for a population of 16 million people.

Bilateral cooperation on exchange of information and expertise is needed in the backdrop of global concern on anti- microbial resistance, she said.

She invited Azad to participate in the Ministerial Conference on responsible use of medicines, particularly antibiotics, being organised by the Dutch government in October.