NEW DELHI, Feb. 23 — Brazil’s Health Minister entity[“politician”,”Alexandre Padilha”,”brazil health minister”] has described President entity[“politician”,”Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva”,”president of brazil”]’s recent visit to India as “historic,” saying it marks a major milestone in bilateral relations and is expected to lower medicine prices in Brazil while strengthening the country’s pharmaceutical sector.
In an interview with entity[“organization”,”Brasil 247″,”brazilian news outlet”], Padilha said the visit resulted in deeper political and business engagement, securing projected investments of approximately BRL 10 billion over the next decade.
The investments aim to boost domestic production of advanced medicines in Brazil through partnerships involving Indian pharmaceutical companies, Brazilian public institutions, and private firms. The initiative is expected to enhance local manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imports.
Padilha noted that entity[“country”,”India”,”south asian country”] has emerged as a major global producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced medicines. Imports of medicines and APIs from India to entity[“country”,”Brazil”,”south american country”] have increased significantly in recent years, particularly in generic drugs and essential medical inputs.
He said the new strategy focuses on technology transfer and domestic production, which will help expand supply and lower costs. Key areas of cooperation include treatments for breast cancer, skin cancer, and leukemia.
Padilha also highlighted collaboration with an Indian biotechnology firm to support local production of semaglutide following patent expiry in Brazil, noting that increased competition is expected to reduce prices.
Addressing broader public health priorities, Padilha said obesity rates in Brazil have nearly doubled since 2006. He emphasized that initiatives such as expanded primary healthcare, school-based physical activity programs, and the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare management would complement pharmaceutical investments and strengthen Brazil’s long-term healthcare system.
According to a joint statement issued during the visit, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in healthcare, particularly in boosting local and regional manufacturing of medicines, vaccines, and other essential medical supplies.
The statement also emphasized the importance of improving access to affordable, high-quality medicines across developing nations, highlighting growing collaboration between India and Brazil based on their complementary strengths.
Both sides also explored opportunities for further cooperation, including exchanging best practices in treating Hansen’s disease and pursuing joint development and production of innovative medicines and vaccines.
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