Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– Bangladesh and India have agreed to control infectious diseases including polio through mutual cooperation between the two countries.

Both the countries took the decision at a meeting when visiting Indian Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad called on his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AFM Ruhal Haq at his office in the capital, Dhaka on Sunday.

The meeting also agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding for mutual cooperation on different aspects in health sector including providing training to the specialized doctors.

In the meeting, both the ministers observed that there is a similarity in heath management and health infrastructure between the two friendly countries thus the cooperation in this sector would be successful.

Describing the existing health scenario in India, Ghulam Nabi said doctors are getting special allowances while they are on duty in different remote places, about 50 per cent quota in diploma courses for doctors have been reserved who have minimum experiences for three years in remote areas.

Prime Minister’s Health and Social Welfare Adviser Syed Modasser Ali, State Minister for Health Dr Capatain (retd) Mojibar Rahman Fakir, Health Secretary Sheikh Altaf Ali, Vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Pran Gopal Datta and other high officials of the ministry took part in the discussion. A six-member Indian delegation including Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Rajeet Mitter took part in the discussion with Indian minister.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-15February10-10:59 am (BST)