St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and India have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) underscoring both countries’ commitment to advancing public health through shared expertise and regulatory alignment.
The MoU is a step towards enhancing pharmaceutical standards and bilateral health collaboration, as part of India’s broader commitment to CARICOM in extending health cooperation, alongside several initiatives proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
Minister of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy of SVG, Daniel Cummings and Subhash Prasad Gupta, high commissioner of India to SVG, signed the MoU in Kingstown on July 10.
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia will streamline importation, quality assurance, and registration of Indian pharmaceutical products, facilitating access to affordable, high-quality generic medicines,” a press release from the High Commission of India in Suriname said.
“The signing of this MoU further presents an opportunity to replicate India’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)-like scheme in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, providing affordable medicines to the people of the country through dedicated outlets,” the release siad.
It said the initiative aligns with the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — fostering global unity in health and well-being and catering to Sustainable Development Goals.