There is certainly an increased prospect of enhanced cooperation between the two countries

Netherlands, being the fifth largest FDI investor in India had recently deliberated on working together on the National Action Plan on AMR. The discussion was part of the recent visit of the Dutch government to strike business partnerships in the healthcare and pharma sector between the two countries. Dr Nupur Kohli, Founder Director, Netherlands-India Information Services, NIIS Health, elaborates on the synergies between the countries and how it was provide impetus to India

Why is India an important partner for the Dutch government in terms of healthcare and pharma sector? Update us on the key developments in the Indo-Dutch healthcare partnership?

India is an important business partner of the Netherlands. About one fifth of India’s export to Europe enter through the Netherlands. The bilateral trade between Netherlands and India is $7 billion. The Netherlands is also the fifth largest FDI investor in India and about 200 Dutch companies are present in India. Healthcare and pharma are specifically recognised by both governments as one of the prime areas of cooperation. The Netherlands is renowned for its affordable and effective public-private healthcare system delivering quality care, which constantly is ranked high internationally. Innovation in healthcare devices, systems and services is key to high quality of Dutch healthcare. The Netherlands ranks in the top five of the Global Innovation Index.

What is the focus of the Dutch government’s visit this year? Did any partnerships were finalised between the Netherlands and Indian companies?

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands has brought a delegation of 28 healthcare companies to India. The delegation interacted with Indian counterparts and several MoUs were signed between the Dutch and Indian companies, for example to increase cooperation on new vaccines and affordable medical devices.

At the government level, the importance of collaboration in the global fight against Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and the joint efforts made by the relevant health departments and agencies of the two countries in identifying areas of cooperation under India’s National Action Plan on AMR was discussed. The leaders of both the countries also took note of the selection of the Krishna district in the state of Andhra Pradesh for the implementation of a pilot project using the ‘One Health’ approach under the Indo-Dutch collaboration on AMR.

With the decision to relocate European Medicine Agency (EMA) from London to Amsterdam (Netherlands), how will the partnership between India and the Netherlands provide impetus to the pharma sector in both countries?

EMA is being relocated from London to Amsterdam. Cooperation with the Netherlands in healthcare and pharma sector will be a win-win situation for both the countries as the agency grant can provide access to Indian companies in the European market. There is certainly an increased prospect of enhanced cooperation in the pharma segment between the two countries.

Why is India an important partner for the Netherlands — specifically in terms of cost-effective vaccine development?

India, known for world’s leading generic drug exporter, is emerging as a sought-after location for sourcing low-cost vaccines. Vaccines made in India are already an integral part of immunisation programmes all over the world through UN agencies. Indian expertise and vast data can also be used for research and innovation. Indian companies are also using cost-effective technologies to improvise the vaccines to withstand possible adversities in hostile climates to ensure efficacy.

How do you see the new Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS). Do you think it will change the Indian healthcare system?

The Dutch Prime Minister spoke about it in his speech at the recent trade mission to India. He said that the Netherlands is committed to help India in achieving the objectives of Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS). He emphasised Dutch companies to take part in the projects related to this scheme and the Dutch Government will provide the much needed support.

How much has Brexit helped the Netherlands to woo players in the healthcare and pharma industry?

The relocation of The European Medicine Agency (EMA) from London to Amsterdam will play a big role in attracting pharma industry to do business with the Netherlands. Also after Brexit, many multinational companies serving mainland Europe find it easier moving across the border to the Netherlands where English is an acceptable language. It is expected that in near future both for healthcare and pharma industry, the Netherlands will emerge as a gateway to Europe.

Any projects proposed by the Netherlands in non-communicable disease viz areas such as elderly care, diabetes, hypertension and mental health?

This area needs to be explored further. My purpose was to be a part of the delegation and explore these areas. Discussions were held with several key players. After preparing a report, a proposal will be sent to the Dutch Government highlighting further possible course of action.

Tell us about Indo-Dutch Living Lab for e-health which is currently under development in Bengaluru. What are its benefits?

The Indo-Dutch Living Lab provides a bilateral platform between the Netherlands and India, public organisations and higher education institutions from both the countries. The overarching theme chosen for the Living Lab is ‘access to affordable healthcare via means of e-Health.’ Three sub-themes are defined – diabetes and hypertension, mental health and elderly care. A call for research proposals under various sub categories is initiated. A letter of intent (LoI) was also signed with Government of Karnataka on exchange of research students. In the next phase, research projects will start involving various stakeholders from both the countries.

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