India on Thursday called for greater regional cooperation amongst SAARC countries to find concrete solutions which are feasible, cost effective and suitable in tackling common health problems. Addressing the fourth Health Ministers’ Conference at Male in Maldives,Health and Family Welfare minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that a strong and vibrant public health care system can cope with enormous challenges emanating from demographic and epidemiological transition in the SAARC region.
Taking note of communicable diseases and high levels of maternal and child mortality in the region, he said that adopting a comprehensive strategy for Diseases Surveillance for Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases is the need of the hour. He emphasised to develop and put in place a comprehensive strategy for surveillance, early detection and response to such diseases and infections.
Mr. Azad stated that there are many examples of successful strategies and programs in the region in combating dreadful diseases. Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy which originated from Tubercluosis research in India is now the global paradigm in the prevention and control of tne disease.
Mr Azad also suggested that health ministers of the region should meet more often to deliberate upon a selected theme or subject of common interest and agree on an action plan.