Philippines seeks Bangladesh’s cooperation in pharmaceuticals sector

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Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Nina P. Cainglet has sought Bangladesh’s cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly by utilizing the growing capabilities of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry.

The ambassador made the request during a courtesy meeting with Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday.

Cainglet said the Philippines currently imports around 67 percent of its medicines from Western countries and is therefore interested in strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh in the pharmaceutical sector.

She also stressed the importance of introducing direct flights between Dhaka and Manila, saying improved air connectivity would help boost trade and strengthen people-to-people relations between the two countries.

The meeting also covered several other areas of bilateral cooperation, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Bangladesh and the Philippines to improve the quality of nursing education and strengthen capacity in the sector.

Health Minister Sakhawat Husain said the government is working continuously to improve healthcare services in Bangladesh and bring them closer to the standards of developed countries. As part of this effort, hospitals are being equipped with modern medical equipment.

He said the government is also pursuing reforms in the country’s healthcare system to ensure that quality medical services reach people at all levels and across the country.

The minister added that government officials are visiting hospitals in different parts of the country to assess the existing situation and identify the actual needs and challenges within the healthcare system.