Question : BILATERAL HEALTH CARE AGREEMENT WITH IRELAND

(a) whether Ireland and India has signed any bilateral healthcare agreement for medical treatment of Indians residing there;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government is aware of the demise of an Indian dentist due to lack of proper medical care by hospital authorities in Ireland;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard including the assistance given to the family of the victim and for transparent and fair investigation into the incident; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) No bilateral healthcare agreement exists between India and Ireland. The Irish and Indian medical healthcare systems differ in form and substance.

(c) to (e) Government is aware of the tragic death of Mrs. Savita Halappanavar, an Indian citizen, in Ireland. Government has taken up this matter with the Irish Government at various levels and requested to be kept informed of the inquiry. The Embassy of India, Dublin has extended all necessary consular assistance to the family of the deceased.

The safety and security of Indian nationals abroad is an area of primary concern of the Government of India. Their welfare is constantly monitored through Indian Missions in various countries. As and when Government is made aware, it takes up such cases with the governments concerned.