KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly bin Ahmad, Minister of Health from the Government of Malaysia and Department of Health Secretary (Minister) Honourable Dr. Francisco T. Duque III of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, met in Putrajaya, Malaysia on 31^st July 2019 to discuss the strengthening of the two (2) countries’ bilateral ties through collaborative activities for healthcare.
 
They were both joined by senior officials from various agencies related in cross border issues pertaining to health, from both respective governments.
 
The members of the Meeting engaged in fruitful deliberations and reaffirmed their commitment to support each other in joint activities, such as port-port collaboration on healthcare and vaccination programme for children in Alternative Learnings Centers, as part of efforts to help realize Universal Health Care under ASEAN.
 
YB Datuk Seri Minister of Health and the Philippine Health Secretary also signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in the Field of Health between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, which is a milestone and remarkable achievement for both Governments.  Under the MOU, both Governments agree to cooperate in the areas of:
 
(i)     primary healthcare;
(ii)    reproductive health;
(iii)   health education;
(iv)   human resources for health development;
(v)    nutrition;
(vi)   exchange of information on issues related to food safety and quality including but not limited to rapid alert systems related to imported products;
(vii)   prevention and control of communicable diseases;
(viii)  prevention and control of non-communicable disease;
(ix)   regulatory control of pharmaceuticals;
(x)    traditional medicines, herbal medicine, health supplements and cosmetic products;
(xi)    medical devices;
(xii)   health tourism;
(xiii)  health researches; and
(xiv)  healthcare services.
 
Both Health Ministers emphasized the importance of advancing collaboration to address cross-border health concerns amidst the rapidly changing global environment. Health cooperation between neighbouring countries is crucial to rapidly respond to public health threats and prevent greater health risks including epidemics, microbial resistance, among others. The two Health Ministers expressed their hopes that the outcome of the meeting will further strengthen the ties and cooperation in the management of cross-border issues relating to the health of both countries and across various stakeholders. They look forward to a lasting collaboration between both countries in tackling and resolving health issues.
 
A Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG), led by designated officials from the Health Ministries of both countries will be formed to facilitate and develop collaborative activities and oversee, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the said MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Health. Exchanges of information and documentation on health will also be done through this joint committee.
 
Honourable Secretary Dr. Francisco T. Duque III expressed his gratitude to YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia and the Government of Malaysia for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements accorded to the Philippine delegation.
 
YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad in return expressed his assurances that Malaysia will remain committed to ensuring the success of collaboration between both countries in the field of health and for continuous engagement to be held subsequent to this Meeting.
 
The Meeting was conducted in the spirit of cordiality, mutual understand and strong friendship. 

Putrajaya, Malaysia
31 July 2019 

SOURCE: Ministry of Health 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Farahdila Wati Binti Mohd Khamde Khuzaini
Pegawai Perhubungan Awam
Unit Komunikasi Korporat
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
Tel: 012-2112658

--BERNAMA