Saying that business has brought the people of India and Africa closer, Prof Semakula Kiwanuka, Minister of State of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Uganda), mentioned that 6 per cent of the GDP of Uganda was spent on healthcare sector at a parallel session, Pharma Healthcare: Building The Health of A Nation, at 4th CII- EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership 2008 being held at Taj Palace here on Thursday. He also mentioned that healthcare sector has always been neglected by every country.

The minister highlighted the importance of healthcare that according to him is directly related to the economic growth. He stated poor healthcare facility in rural areas is not an issue of Uganda alone. He mentioned Cuba as one of the countries having the best healthcare facilities.

Citing the example of Indian companies doing well in Africa, he mentioned the name of Cipla, an India-based pharmaceutical company, which is having a joint venture project in Uganda. The venture is estimated to be of $ 30 million. The company like Cipla, mainly deals with the HIV drugs and anti-malaria drugs, is given a pioneer status in Uganda, he said. The minister pointed out that Cipla products are one of the best in the world. He concluded the speech stating that pharmaceutical product should be affordable to the poor.

Later, responding to a question the minister said that the fiscal facilities are provided by the government while education is provided by the Public sector and the Pharmaceuticals by the private sector.

Amah Marie Tehoua , Minister of Industries and Private Sector, Ivory Coast, said that most of the medicines that are consumed are of MNCs. .She pointed out that Ivory Coast has encouraged their generic sector. She said Ivory Coast is willing to collaborate with the Indian companies. Certain taxes exemptions are provided for healthy co-operation. Ivory Coast has faced crisis, especially in north and west, and hence seriously trying to encourage the health and pharmaceutical companies. She said that new laws have been formulated and the copies of it would be sending soon so that the businessman willing to contribute and invest in those sectors take initiatives. The minister made it clear that there are a lot of avenues for those who want to invest in those sectors in Ivory Coast.

Earlier, Dr Naresh Trehan, in his welcome speech, said that Indian experts and pharmaceutical companies are doing well in Africa. He said a task force of the CII is expected to come up with a health village programme in India which will take care of drinking water facilities, sewage system, garbage disposal and education in villages.

Sourced From: Confederation of Indian Industry

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