India and Switzerland discussed ways to work together in future

India and Switzerland today agreed to draw up a Memorandum of Understanding on health that will cover universal health coverage, non-communicable diseases and issues relating to pharmaceuticals, global health and complementary medicine.

Head of Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs Alain Berset met India's Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad here and discussed ways in which they can work together in future.

The proposed MoU between the two countries is likely to be signed in Geneva in May 2013 at the next World Health Assembly. Azad said though Berset did not handle public health issues, today's meeting is a reflection of the keen interest that the two governments attach for more meaningful engagement in matters related to health of the both nations. Switzerland has amongst the best health indicators in the world.

He also talked of over 13 billion dollars that have been invested by the government in addition to the spending by the states for building up rural health infrastructure under NRHM during the last 7 years and mentioned Mother and Child Tracking System which helps over 25 million pregnant women and more than 18 million children registered with it.

The Swiss Federal Councillor also held extensive talks with officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Berset met Minister of Culture Kumari Selja separately and held discussions on cultural diversity and cultural exchange between the two countries

source:http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/india-switzerland-to-ink-mouhealth-next-year/63235/