- Mansukh Mandaviya, the Health Minister of India, and Budi G. Sadikin, the Health Minister of Indonesia, discussed collaboration in the pharma sector, medical research, and ensuring cost-effective medicines.
- Indonesia expressed support for India’s G20 Presidency health priorities and affirmed its commitment to working closely with India in advancing global health.
- The ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, including joint ventures, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer.
On the 13th of May Mansukh Mandaviya, the Health Minister of India, and Budi G. Sadikin, the Health Minister of Indonesia, recently held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Health Ministers’ Meeting in Nagasaki, Japan. The meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to discuss various aspects of collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, medical research, and ensuring cost-effective medicines.
Strengthening Collaboration in the Pharma Sector:
During the meeting, both ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector between India and Indonesia. Recognizing India’s significant expertise in generic pharmaceuticals and Indonesia’s growing healthcare sector, they discussed opportunities for joint ventures, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer. Such collaboration can facilitate the availability of affordable and high-quality medicines for both countries and beyond.
Advancing Medical Research for Global Health:
Mandaviya and Sadikin also discussed the significance of advancing medical research to address global health challenges. They recognized the potential for joint research projects, clinical trials, and sharing of scientific expertise. By leveraging their respective strengths in research and development, India and Indonesia can contribute to the discovery of innovative medical solutions, improved healthcare outcomes, and better preparedness for future pandemics.
Ensuring Affordable and Accessible Medicines:
Affordability and accessibility of medicines were key topics of discussion between the two health ministers. They emphasized the need to ensure cost-effective medicines for their populations, especially for essential treatments and life-saving drugs. The ministers deliberated on measures to enhance affordability, such as promoting generic medicines, reducing regulatory barriers, and exploring avenues for mutual recognition of pharmaceutical standards. Such efforts can contribute to equitable access to healthcare and support sustainable healthcare systems.
Indonesia’s Support for India’s G20 Health Priorities:
Mandaviya expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s support for India’s G20 Presidency health priorities. Both ministers recognized the importance of multilateral collaboration in addressing global health challenges. Indonesia affirmed its commitment to working closely with India in advancing the shared vision of a healthy and resilient world. In this context, Mandaviya extended an invitation to the Hon’ble Health Minister of Indonesia to attend the upcoming G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in India, where further discussions on key health issues and collaborations can take place.