Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether India and Morocco signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhanced cooperation in the health sector recently;
(b) if so, the details along with the aims and objectives and the key areas identified for cooperation in this MoU;
(c) the extent and manner in which it will be beneficial to the Indian Healthcare Sector; and
(d) the time by which the said MoU will be implemented along with the present status thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): A bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Morocco on 14th December, 2017 for cooperation in the field of Health.
(b) to (d): The objectives of the MoU are for establishing cooperation in the field of health with the aim of upgrading the quality and reach of human, material and infrastructural resources involved in healthcare, medical education & training and research in both countries for mutual benefit. The main areas of cooperation covered under the MoU are as follows:
I. Non-communicable diseases, including child cardiovascular diseases and cancer;
II. Drug Regulation and Pharmaceutical quality control;
III. Communicable Diseases;
IV. Maternal, child and neonatal health;
V. Hospital twinning for exchange of good practices;
VI. Training in administration and management of health services and Hospitals;
VII. Any other area of cooperation as may be mutually decided upon.
The MoU will encourage joint initiatives and cooperation in the health sector. It will strengthen bilateral ties between India and Morocco. The validity of the MoU is for a period of five (5) years from the date of signing, with provision of further extension for another five (5) years. There is a provision to set up a Joint Working Group to further elaborate the details of cooperation and to oversee the implemention of the MoU.