South Africa, India sign cheap drugs deal

The South African and Indian Health Ministers, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and CP Thakur signed a declaration of intent last Monday to co-operate on obtaining cheap drugs for the Southern African Development Community, reported the Pan African news agency PANA.

"We will be discussing further the possibility of transferring technology and building the capacity of our country and region with regard to pharmaceutical services," Tshabalala-Msimang was quoted as saying.

The South African health department would also work with India on community-based HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis programs, nutrition programs, and research to combat waterborne diseases.

In addition, India and South Africa would share health and medical information. South Africa was "looking forward to partnerships for affordable medicines" Tshabalala-Msimang said.

Thakur was quoted as saying that the agreement would increase the South African and African market for Indian drug makers.