Duterte calls for partnership with the Indian pharmaceutical firms

Rodney N. Artida, Arem Bolalin | January 30, 2018

Photo from news.mb.com.ph

During his bilateral meeting with the Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi last January 24, Pres. Duterte requested for strong collaboration with India in terms of healthcare and medicine in an effort to offer cheaper medicines for Filipinos.

As mentioned by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, stronger cooperation with Indian pharmaceutical firms would guarantee Philippines the availability of affordable medicines.

“It’s highlighted that the medicines coming from India are not only affordable but also with high efficacy, very effective. They, in fact, are biggest exporters of medicines to the US (United States) and the EU (European Union),” Sec. Lopez said.

Sec. Lopez also invited the Indian pharmaceutical firms to start manufacturing in our country.

“They can make the Philippines as their toll manufacturing hub for medicines that they will supply to the Philippines or making it as a manufacturing hub to export also to their other export markets,” as stated by the trade chief.

“We would like to encourage more sourcing of cheaper medicine or what we say affordable medicines from more sources here in India. But at the same time, (we are) encouraging them now to look into manufacturing so that we don't just rely on importation,” he added.

Sec. Lopez said it would be a big help for the Filipinos to be provided affordable healthcare and wellness by the Indian companies.

According to Sec. Lopez the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India “have committed to facilitate the availability of affordable and quality medicines” in the Philippines.

Prior to the bilateral talks, Sec. Lopez met with his counterparts in India. The meeting focused on key medicines that will be needed especially by the poor, include medicine alternatives for conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol levels, bacterial growth, and cancer.