Cooperation in health between Cuba and Seychelles has received a major boost following the announcement that the number of doctors from the Caribbean island working in Seychelles will be increased.

This came out at the end of the 9th session of the Seychelles-Cuba Joint Commission held in Havana from October 15 to 18, 2003.

The Minister for Health, Mr Patrick Pillay, led the Seychelles delegation to the talks. For its part, the Cuban delegation was headed by Mrs Marta Lomas Morales, Minister for Foreign Investment and Cooperation.

At the end of the deliberations, which according to a Foreign Affairs communiqué took place in a very cordial atmosphere, an agreed plan of action for the next two years was signed by the two heads of delegation.

Besides health, other main sectors that will see increased cooperation are those of sports, agriculture, tourism, industry, construction, culture and education.

Noting that 17 Seychellois students are currently pursuing their university education in various Cuban institutions, the communiqué says that the Cuban Government has reiterated its offer to continue providing such training opportunities for young Seychellois within its possibilities.

During the visit Minister Pillay and his delegation also held talks with senior government officials from the ministries of Public Health, Foreign Affairs, and International Trade on issues of mutual interest and concern.

They also visited a few medical institutions where they were briefed on the aspirations and challenges of the Cuban Government in providing adequate health care to the population.

The next Joint Commission is scheduled in two years' time in Victoria.

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