KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - The St. Vincent and the Grenadines governments says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with India underscoring both countries’ commitment to advancing public health through shared expertise and regulatory alignment.
The MOU allows for the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia as a reference standard for medicines and Kingstown said that the agreement follows a series of productive discussions aimed at enhancing collaboration in the health sector.
“The signing of this MoU further presents an opportunity to replicate India’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)-like scheme in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, providing affordable medicines to the people of the country through dedicated outlets,” according to an official statement released here.
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.
Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy Minister, Daniel Cummings and India’s High Commissioner to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Subhash Prasad Gupta, signed the agreement.
“The MOU is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation in healthcare and support ongoing efforts to improve access to safe, high-quality medicines, while fostering collaboration in other areas of mutual interest,” the statement said.
