Memorandum of Understanding for co-operation in the field of traditional systems of medicine and homoeopathy between India and Bangladesh

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for co-operation in the field of traditional systems of medicine and homoeopathy between India Bangladesh. The signing of the proposed MoU will enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of traditional medicine and homoeopathy. This will be of immense importance to both countries considering their shared cultural heritage. The MoU shall also provide a structured frame work for cooperation between the two countries for the promotion of Indian traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy in Bangladesh. There are no additional financial implications involved. However, financial resources necessary to conduct research, training courses, conferences / meetings will be met from the existing allocated budget and existing plan schemes of the Department of AYUSH. The total exports of Ayush products from India in 2012-13 was Rs.2167.57 crore. India’s exports of herbal and Ayush products to Bangladesh for 2013-14 was Rs. 31.85 crore. Background:  India is blessed with well-developed systems of traditional medicine including medicinal plants, which hold tremendous potential in the global health scenario. Traditional medicine is an important element of Bangladesh’s health policy. Ayurveda, Unani, and Homoeopathy are important traditional health care systems existing in Bangladesh. A large population in Bangladesh is using Indian traditional medicine and homoeopathy, ayurveda, unani and homoeopathy systems of medicine. Both countries share a common heritage with respect to Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine as well as a shared history in homeopathy. Moreover, there are a large number of medicinal plants, particularly those found in the tropical region, which are common to the two countries given similar geo-climatic factors. The Department of AYUSH as a part of its mandate to propagate the Indian systems of medicine globally has taken effective steps by entering into MoUs with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM), China (the MoU has since expired), Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago and Hungary for cooperation in traditional medicine. MoUs are proposed to be signed with Serbia and Nepal for which the Cabinet has given its approvals. Consequently, the Ministers of Health, Government of Serbia and Government of Nepal have been invited to visit India for signing of the MoUs.