India & Netherlands Inks MoI to Cooperate on Medical Product Regulation

At the event, the Union Minister of State applauded the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry recognising it as one of the largest globally, earning India the title of the 'Pharmacy of the World.'

India and Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to cooperate on medical product regulation and to enhance the quality of medical products and healthcare services for both countries at Hague, Netherlands.

The MoI was signed during a meeting where Bhagwant Khuba, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers met Ernst Kuipers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sports of the Kingdom of Netherlands.

The Indian delegation participated in the Second World Local Production Forum (WLPF) held in Hague, Netherlands from 6 to 8 November 2023. The World Local Production Platform is a platform created at the initiative of WHO with the aim of increasing access to medicines and other health technologies.

At the event, the Union Minister of State applauded the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry recognising it as one of the largest globally, earning India the title of the 'Pharmacy of the World.'

Indian pharmaceutical companies have become reliable and affordable suppliers of high-quality drugs, significantly improving healthcare access worldwide, he said.

Reportedly, India provides approximately 60% of the global vaccine supply, accounts for 20-22% of generic exports and serves over 200 countries through its pharmaceutical exports.

Shri Khuba said in his address that this meeting provides a crucial opportunity to share experiences, challenges and successes in the development and manufacturing of diagnostic countermeasures. He said that we must collaborate further to identify innovative approaches that will enable sustainable and equitable access to these critical tools.

The Minister also said. "Currently, local production faces significant challenges as it seeks to address the critical issue of translating research into product development. Lack of technology transfer stands out as a formidable barrier Validation, production, and distribution are daunting hurdles, requiring efficient coordination to bring innovative healthcare technologies to market.”

He said, capacity building in regulatory systems and skilled technical manpower are necessary ingredients. The Forum must focus on marketing, upscaling regional manufacturing. efficient procurement and delivery systems, and repurposing existing infrastructure for efficient coordination during health emergencies.

“Last-mile delivery to ensure that the benefits of innovations reach those who need them most and guarantee equitable access to essential healthcare products,” Minister Khuba added.

He also discussed the regulations in the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries with Carla van Rooijen, director, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Technology Division. He also discussed quality healthcare with the Minister of Public Health of Surinam Dr Amar N Ramadhin.

Talking about pharmaceuticals, the Dept of Pharmaceuticals released the National Pharmaceuticals Policy, 2023. The NPP primarily aims to shape the pharmaceutical industry, addressing investments, technology access, research, development, and regulations. It establishes quantifiable goals in line with the government's Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.