KATHMANDU, Nov 13: Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta has emphasized the need for regional cooperation in the health sector among BIMSTEC member countries.
According to Minister Mehta's Private Secretariat, she made the remarks at the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting recently held in Colombo. She said that as health challenges are not confined by national borders, member countries need to strengthen coordination, information exchange and technical cooperation to address them.
Exclusive - Sailesh Lodha to quit Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashm...
"Infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases and health risks arising from climate change do not respect national borders," Minister Mehta said.
She pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated that no country could face a major health crisis alone. She added that regional cooperation should be based on inclusivity, equality, mutual trust and practical partnership.
Minister Mehta also expressed gratitude for the support, goodwill and solidarity extended by BIMSTEC member countries and the international community during rescue and relief operations in Nepal.
