The aim of the MoU is to promote bilateral cooperation between the countries in the field of health care and public health on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit. The cooperation will include areas such as alcohol, medical and pharmaceutical products, medical education, health and medical research, maternal and child health and sexual and reproductive health and rights, infectious disease control and antimicrobial resistance and management in health care.

In their speeches Minister Ramadoss and Ambassador Lindgren both expressed a high level of interest and commitment to broaden and deepen cooperation in the area of health between the countries. The speed of the process to develop and sigh the MoU clearly illustrates this.

Sweden has been involved in the health sector in India for many years with a special focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights. During recent years there has been a shift towards technical collaboration and exchange of knowledge and experiences. An increased interaction between the countries has developed including high level visits in both directions. The idea of a MoU was initiated when Ms Maria Larsson, Minister of Public Health and Elderly Care visited India in May 2008 and was further developed during the visit of Minister Ramadoss to Sweden in November 2008.

Under the MoU a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising of officials from India and Sweden has been established. The first JWG meeting was held on the same day as the signing ceremony with positive results. The group identified prioritised areas for collaboration and developed a concrete action plan to be followed up in the next JWG meeting planned for May 2009.