Nasim seeks S\\\'pore coop in health sector

Health Minister Mohammad Nasim called Thursday upon his Singaporean counterpart to extend cooperation with health sector of Bangladesh, including set-up of a modern hospital under joint venture.

Mr Nasim made the call during a meeting with Singaporean health minister Gan Kim Yong at latter's office in Singapore.

He also requested Kim Yong to import international standard and low price drugs from Bangladesh and provide special training to Bangladeshi nurses and doctors for their skill development.

During the meeting, the minister sought Singapore's cooperation in setting up a modern hospital under joint venture.

Mr Nasim told the Singaporean minister that Bangladesh has been exporting medicines to about 90 countries worldwide. He said both the countries will be benefited if Singapore imports drugs from Bangladesh. He requested Mr Yong to send a high powered delegation from Singapore to assess potential of setting up of a hospital and drug import from Bangladesh.    

The health minister highlighted the achievement of Bangladesh in health sector despite a huge population and limited resources. Mr Nasim termed the task of reaching healthcare services to this huge population as challenge and sought cooperation from a country like Singapore in health sector.

Singaporean minister appreciated the success of Bangladesh in health sector and expressed the hope of working jointly.

Secretary general of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceuticals Industries (BAPI) Abdul Muktadir, Bangladesh high commissioner in Singapore and other senior officials of both the countries were present during the meeting.

The health minister is on a visit to Singapore since July 3.