India, France to cooperate in health sector

NEW DELHI: India and France have identified areas of cooperation in the health sector like medical research, bio-technology, development of vaccine and promotion of traditional systems of medicines.

The discussions were held between Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss and French Minister for Health Roselyne Bachelot during the former's four-day visit to France.

Ramadoss, who is heading a three-member delegation, also visited the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research.

At present, eight joint collaborative projects between Indian and French scientists are in progress. In the last JWG meeting, it was agreed that both the countries finalise a topic out of four areas already identified viz transnational research, chikungunya, cancer and immunogenetics.