The signing ceremony was held in the context of a transit visit by the Cuban minister to Panama after attending the 60th Session of the Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization.

During the talks, both parties reaffirmed their common willingness to continue strengthening health cooperation and evaluated the existing potentials to diversify those links for the benefit of both peoples, according to Public Health Ministry (MINSAP)´s official website.

The MoU is aimed at strengthening Public Health, both nationally and internationally, through the development of complementary capacities.

It was ratified the common disposition to pool knowledge and resources to face a great number of health challenges both nations must deal with, and thus achieve greater efficiency in their health systems.

Among other issues, the MoU seeks to stimulate health cooperation based on the exchange of experiences and new work initiatives, greater access to and transfer of technologies, as well as the strengthening of the regulatory authorities for drugs and medical devices.

It also seeks to promote the development of joint programs for patient care, and of capacities for training and management of human resources, as well as the application of innovative products from the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.

Health collaboration between Cuba and Panama have been going on for several years, including the implementation of the Operation Miracle Program in the first decade of 2000, and the graduation of 841 Panamanian health professionals in Cuba’s universities of Medical Sciences.

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