Bangladesh eyes Pakistan for export of vaccines, cancer medicines

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Shakawat Husain on Monday said Bangladesh could increase exports of vaccines and cancer medicines to Pakistan.

The issue was brought up in a discussion with Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, according to a press release issued by the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka.

At the meeting, the two countries discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the health sector, including finalisation of a proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU), pharmaceuticals, capacity building of health professionals and organ transplantation.

During the meeting, the High Commissioner briefed the minister on proposals for collaboration between Bangladesh’s health sector and the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre (PKLI&RC) and Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in organ transplantation.

GIMS has offered to train Bangladeshi doctors in liver transplantation, support them during subsequent transplant surgeries in Bangladesh and provide post-procedure care through telemedicine, the release said.

The two sides also discussed enhancing trade in surgical equipment and pharmaceutical products.

The Health Minister also invited Pakistani entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s health sector, according to the release.