As diseases have no boundaries, cooperation in health should cross boundaries: Indian envoy

Colombo, March 1 (newsin.asia): The 10^th edition of Medicare Exhibition, National Healthcare Exhibition of Sri Lanka, was inaugurated today by Dr. Rajitha Senaratne,  Sri Lankan Minister of Health; Taranjit Singh Sandhu, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka; Faizal Cassim, Deputy Minister of Health of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Razia Pendse, WHO Representative for Sri Lanka.

Medicare Exhibition has been organised in partnership with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). An India Pavilion consisting more than 40 companies from India was also inaugurated by the High Commissioner.  The Medicare Exhibition is underway at BMICH from 1-3 March 2019.

Dr. Senaratne spoke at length about the recent achievements of Sri Lanka in the health sector.

In this address, Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu underlined the need for cooperation in healthcare sector.

“As diseases know no boundaries, our cooperation in healthcare needs to go beyond frontiers – the only way to combat the emerging challenges in the health sector is to share knowledge, techniques and best practices. For us, collaboration is celebration. Partnership is progress,” the envoy said.

“In our part of the world, both in India and in Sri Lanka, healthcare has always been looked at in a holistic way- preventive healthcare has been equally important as curative healthcare.”

“Lord Buddha spoke about ‘the golden middle path’, striking a fine balance between self-denial and self-indulgence. We have built on these rich traditions, from a shared heritage of alternative systems like Ayurveda to the modern linkages in pharma and allied sectors.”

“Sri Lanka’s health indicators today are comparable to some of the most developed countries in the world. It is commendable that Sri Lanka adopted the Free Health Policy after gaining independence and has been consistent in its progress ever since.”

“India, on the other hand, has carved out a niche for itself in areas such as cardiac and orthopedic procedures, neuro-surgeries, cancer treatment and organ transplantation. There are several things that we can learn from each other.”

“People from the world over travel to India for high-end diagnostic services and affordable health care. India is also the largest provider of generic drugs globally. Indian also supplies over 50 per cent of global demand for vaccines.”

“Last year, we launched Ayushman Bharat, world’s largest government funded health care program. I am confident that all these offer a lot of potential for the industry also in both countries to share, innovate and grow together.”

“The successful implementation of the 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service across Sri Lanka has further strengthened emergency preparedness and response system in Sri Lanka. Since its inception nearly 875,000 people have called this service seeking help.”

“We have so far covered 8 Provinces; it will soon be available to – everyone- everywhere in Sri Lanka. For us, nothing is more precious than saving a life. It is the largest Indian grant project in Sri Lanka after the Indian Housing Project.”

“Last year, we also gifted equipment worth LKR 100 million (US$ 554,839) to the Vavuniya hospital. We are also setting up a new Surgical unit ford around LKR 275 million (US$ 1.5million), in Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.

A vast array of Sri Lankan health care professionals have availed the training opportunities provided by the Government of India under our fully funded ITEC Programme.

“India remains committed to creating more such stories of partnership, as per Sri Lanka’s own priorities and requirements.

‘I am happy to see the enthusiastic participation of Indian companies here today. I compliment FICCI for their efforts and being part of Medicare story. I wish all of you a successful exhibition.  As Lord Buddha said: To keep the body in good health is a duty. Otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”