Malaysia, Philippines sign MoU to collaborate on healthcare

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the Philippines have agreed to collaborate in various areas of healthcare through the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), here, today. 

The Heath Ministry in a statement said the MoU was signed by Malaysian Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and the Philippines Department of Health Secretary, Dr Francisco T. Duque III, during a bilateral meeting in Putrajaya to discuss strengthening both countries’ bilateral ties through collaboration on healthcare. 

Under the MOU, both Malaysia and the Philippines agreed to cooperate in the areas of primary healthcare; reproductive health; health education; human resources for health development; nutrition and exchange of information on issues related to food safety and quality, including but not limited to rapid alert systems related to imported products.

Both countries will also collaborate on the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases; regulatory control of pharmaceuticals; traditional medicines, herbal medicine, health supplements and cosmetic products; medical devices; health tourism; health research; and healthcare services.

A Joint Technical Working Group led by designated officials from the health ministries of both countries will implement the MOU.

"Both health ministers emphasised the importance of advancing collaboration to address cross-border health concerns amid the rapidly changing global environment. 

"Cooperation between neighbouring countries is crucial to rapidly respond to public health threats and prevent greater health risks including epidemics and microbial resistance, among others," they said in a joint statement, here, today.

The two health ministers also expressed hope that the outcome of the meeting would further strengthen ties and cooperation between both countries in the management of cross-border issues relating to health and across various stakeholders. 

-- BERNAMA