By Newswire Editorial
India’s Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda has arrived in Colombo to participate in the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting, being held in Sri Lanka today (11).
According to a statement issued by the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, the visit marks an important step towards strengthening regional health cooperation, advancing shared public health priorities and deepening India’s healthcare partnership with Sri Lanka and other BIMSTEC member nations.
Upon arrival, the Indian Health Minister was welcomed by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.
The inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo brings together representatives from member nations to strengthen regional cooperation in healthcare and address common public health challenges.
Sri Lanka is hosting the meeting as the lead country for public health cooperation within BIMSTEC, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
The visiting Indian Health Minister is also expected to sign an agreement to provide a financial grant for the procurement of 100 new, fully equipped ambulances for Sri Lanka’s 1990 Suwa Seriya free National Emergency Ambulance Service.
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa announced yesterday (10) that the agreement would be signed during discussions with the visiting Indian Health Minister.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India to secure the grant.
The 100 new ambulances are expected to strengthen the existing Suwa Seriya fleet of 322 vehicles, which has experienced increasing mechanical issues due to extensive use. (Newswire)