Pakistan, Brunei to further expand cooperation in health sector

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Brunei have decided to expand their cooperation in Health sector, and the issue would be discussed at ministerial level, during the forthcoming visit of the Brunei Health Minister.

This was the focus of talks between the Ambassador of Brunei and The Federal Health Minister, Mr. Muhammad Nasir Khan, today, Friday Talks focused on the agenda for talks on cooperation in the Health sector by the two ministers, while Pakistani Federal Health Minister is scheduled to visit Brunei Darussalam starting 3-7th July 2006.

Brunei wants to cooperate in the fields of surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals, postgraduate trainings, and specialization in Pakistan and reproductive health care.

The Health Minister told the Brunei ambassador that Pakistan attaches great importance to the Islamic Country and appreciates the proposed endeavors in health sectors.

The Federal Minister informed the visiting ambassador that Pakistan manufactures excellent surgical instruments, and quality medicines, cheaper than their European counterparts.

The Federal Minister also briefed about the lucrative investment opportunities in the pharmaceuticals industries due to easy access to the market of Central Asian States, Africa and Middle East.

The Minister also expressed his keen desire to see investors from brotherly Muslim states invest in Pakistan’s Health market, and was also willing to provide postgraduate training and specialization to the doctors of Brunei in Pakistan.

Meanwhile CEO, Novartis, Dr Farid Khan has presented a cheque for Rs. 27,45,130, to the Federal Health Minister as a donation to the President Relief Fund for the earthquake affectees on behalf of the Phram Bureau.

Secretary health Syed Anwar Mahmood and Director General Health, Dr. Hassan Orooj were also present on the occasion.

The minister appreciated the humanitarian assistance provided by the Pharma Bureau, which assists the government to provide immediate medical assistance to the quake affectees.