GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): In a ceremony held at the premises of the Ministry of Health of Guatemala on March 14, 2024, the Embassy of India donated 1 million tablets of Valproic Acid 500 mg (250,000 tablets), Pyridoxine 50 mg (270,000 tablets), and Metformin Hydrochloride 850 mg (500,000 tablets) to the Government of Guatemala. This generous initiative is part of the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to assist Guatemala in treating Epilepsy, tuberculosis, and type-II Diabetes, as discussed during a Ministerial level meeting held during the visit of Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Ms. Meenakashi Lekhi to Guatemala in January 2023. In its continued assistance to Guatemala, India has previously been active in supplying medicines to the Government of Guatemala, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the Indian Government in collaboration with Eye Foundation of America conducted eye camps in Guatemala to provide free eye-check-ups and much-needed cataract eye surgeries to patients. Once again India has fulfilled its promise by donating specific life-saving medicines to the Government of Guatemala as part of its humanitarian aid efforts.

Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra handed over the medicines to H.E. Oscar Cordon, the Hon’ble Health Minister of Guatemala. Ambassador reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to supporting healthcare facilities in Guatemala and highlighted India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World” by supplying affordable, high-quality generic medicines. India’s pharmaceutical market was valued at $49 billion in 2022, projected to reach $450 billion by 2047, with a growth rate of nine percent. Ambassador also informed the Hon’ble Minister that Guatemala has become India’s largest trading partner in Central America, with significant growth in recent years. India’s high-quality generic medicines at competitive prices have gained traction in the Guatemalan market, and the Ambassador expressed India’s willingness to reduce healthcare costs by supplying affordable medicines. Ambassador also recalled India’s proactive approach in donating 200,000 doses of Covishield to the Government of Guatemala in March 2021, reaffirming India’s commitment to providing aid in the future. Additionally, Ambassador briefed the Hon’ble Health Minister on upcoming infrastructure projects in Central American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, which will significantly contribute to the region’s socio-economic advancement.

Hon’ble Health Minister Oscar Cordon expressed profound gratitude for this generous gesture from the Government of India. He emphasized the significance of India’s support in providing life-saving medicines to Guatemala, which will undoubtedly alleviate the healthcare challenges faced by the nation. Hon’ble Minister highlighted the invaluable role that India plays as the “Pharmacy of the World,” supplying affordable, high-quality medicines to countries around the globe. He reiterated Guatemala’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with India and expressed hope for continued collaboration in the field of healthcare. Hon’ble Minister praised India’s proactive approach in donating medicines, including Covishield doses, during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing India’s unwavering commitment to global health cooperation. He conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for India’s continued support and partnership in advancing Guatemala’s healthcare infrastructure and improving the well-being of its citizens.

This significant contribution will not only strengthen the bond between the two nations but will also provide timely access to life-saving medicines for the people of Guatemala, further affirming India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world”. India’s pharmaceutical industry is renowned for its robustness, producing a wide range of high-quality generic medicines, vaccines, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) at competitive prices. The success of the recently concluded largest-ever 92-member delegation in February 2024 to Guatemala has opened several avenues for unlocking vast opportunities for collaboration and economic growth in the pharmaceutical sector. Similarly, Guatemalan companies are well aware of the availability of high-quality generic medicines at competitive prices from India.

In an upcoming initiative, India has unveiled plans to donate 650 prosthetic limbs to Guatemala, a significant endeavor aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals in need. By providing these prosthetic limbs, India seeks to empower those facing mobility challenges, granting them the opportunity for greater independence and fulfillment. This commitment to healthcare assistance not only reinforces the deep bonds of friendship between the two nations but also serves as a testament to India’s steadfast dedication to aiding communities in need across the globe.