Kerala to bring major changes in health sector by collaborating with Cuba

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is taking steps to bring about a major change in the health and research sector in the state by collaborating with Cuba. Health Minister Veena George participated in the discussions held with Cuban First Deputy Health Minister Tania Margarita and the Cuban delegation. Following the chief minister's visit to Cuba in June 2023, Kerala has decided to collaborate with Cuba's research sector in four areas of health.

The research collaboration is taking place in the areas of triple negative breast cancer vaccine, lung cancer vaccine, treatment of foot ulcers in diabetic patients (diabetic foot), dengue vaccine, and treatment of neuro-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Health Minister Veena George said the cooperation with Cuba will bring about a major change in the health sector in the state. The minister also said that Cuban cooperation in the field of research will be ensured with the permission of the Center, ICMR and DCGA. The vaccines are being developed under the leadership of the Thonnakkal Virology Institute with Cuban technology. Research will be conducted on cancer in collaboration with the Malabar Cancer Center, diabetic foot in collaboration with Thrissur and Kozhikode Medical Colleges, and Alzheimer’s in collaboration with Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.

The 15-member Cuban delegation included Cuban First Deputy Health Minister Tania Margarita, Ambassador Juan Carlos Marcel Aguilera, and senior officials from the health sector. Chief Principal Secretary to the chief minister Dr K M Abraham, chief secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department Rajan N Khobragade, among others, participated in the discussion.