India and Cuba have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the health sector such as regulation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and information.

The MoU was signed by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda and his counterpart from Cuba, Roberto Tomas Morales Ojeda.Nadda said the MoU on cooperation in the field of health and medicine between India and Cuba was important for exchanges in the health sector and to develop institutional framework for cooperation in the health sector between the two countries.

"One potential area is pharmaceutical and biotechnology. Cuba has made remarkable strides in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. We need to encourage greater institutional collaborations for joint production of medicines on commercial basis," said Nadda.A joint working group will be formed for implementation of the MoU.

Other main areas of co-operation include exchange and training of medical doctors, officials, other health professionals and experts, promotion of business development opportunities in pharmaceuticals and others identified by parties, procurement of generic and essential drugs, and assistance in sourcing of and drug supplies, among others.