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RR RUEHHM RUEHLN RUEHMA RUEHPB RUEHPOD
DE RUEHNE #4659/01 2920436
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 190436Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8889
INFO RUEHCI/AMCONSUL KOLKATA 1038
RUEHCG/AMCONSUL CHENNAI 1714
RUEHBI/AMCONSUL MUMBAI 0798
RUEHGH/AMCONSUL SHANGHAI 0197
RUEHSH/AMCONSUL SHENYANG 0283
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RUEHCN/AMCONSUL CHENGDU 0270
RUEHKP/AMCONSUL KARACHI 8206
RUEHLH/AMCONSUL LAHORE 4166
RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA GA
RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHDC
RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHDC
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RUEHZN/ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 NEW DELHI 004659 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR OES STAS FEDOROFF; OES/PCI STEWART; OES/IHA SINGER 
HHS FOR OGHA STEIGER/VALDEZ/HICKEY; NIH GLASS/MAMPILLY; FDA 
LUMPKIN/WELCH 
CDC FOR BLOUNT/PETROSKY 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: TBIO SENV AMED CASC KSCA IN
SUBJECT: HIGHLIGHTS OF NIH DIRECTOR'S OCTOBER VISIT TO INDIA 
 
REF: New Delhi 1783 
 
NEW DELHI 00004659  001.2 OF 005 
 
 
¶1.  (U) Summary: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), 
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni 
and his delegation came at an opportune time to India as India 
announced plans to establish a new Department of Health Research 
within the Ministry of Health and Family Research and focus on 
translational health sciences within the Ministry of Science and 
Technology.  Dr. Zerhouni met with India's Prime Minister, 
Ministers, and senior officials of the Government of India (GOI), 
and interacted with senior scientists and students during the course 
of his visit.  These meetings helped energize the commitment for 
health and biomedical research collaborations.  End Summary. 
 
¶2.  (U) Two agreements were signed during Dr. Zerhouni's visit to 
India with the GOI: the Joint Statement on the Development of 
Low-Cost Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medical Technologies, and the 
Letter of Intent on Translational Research.  In addition, an 
Indo-U.S. meeting on Translational Health Sciences was organized on 
October 4.  Dr. Zerhouni gave a keynote presentation at this 
meeting.  On October 5, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 
announced the launch of the Department of Health Research (DHR). 
Dr. Zerhouni gave the ICMR Oration award at this event, which was 
attended by 300 scientists from around India.  Zerhouni's delegation 
included Dr. Roderic Pettigrew, Director of the National Institute 
of Biomedical Imaging and BioEngineering (NIBIB), Dr. Roger Glass, 
Director, Fogarty International Center (FIC), Dr. John Haller, 
Program Director, Division of Applied Science and Technology, NIH, 
and Mr. Thomas Mampilly of FIC. 
 
Meeting with India's Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
 
¶3.  (U) On October 5, Dr. Zerhouni, Dr. Pettigrew and Dr. Roger 
Glass accompanied by Ambassador David C. Mulford met with India's 
Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Manmohan Singh.  Dr Zerhouni commended the 
PM for his foresight in the formation of the Department of Health 
Research headed by a Secretary and the substantial increase in it's 
funding.  Dr Pettigrew and Dr. Roger Glass provided a brief overview 
of NIH collaborations. 
 
¶4.  (U) PM Singh particularly thanked Dr Zerhouni for the visit 
since this can help energize ongoing collaborations and move forward 
efforts to improve science for health in India.  Ambassador Mulford 
raised the issue of the importance of venture capital in advancing 
health technology and the need to reward scientists and their 
institutions, an issue to which the PM did not directly respond. 
The PM commented about "old guard" scientists not allowing the 
growth of young scientists as well as the importance of peer review 
in promoting and institutionalizing excellence in science.  The PM 
also expressed a strong desire to meet Dr. Zerhouni again when he 
goes to the U.S. next. 
 
Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology - 
Interactions 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
¶5.  (U) India is in the process of establishing the UNESCO Regional 
Center for Education and Training in Biotechnology at Faridabad, 
near New Delhi as an autonomous institution supported by the UNESCO, 
and India's Department of Biotechnology (DBT).  The UNESCO center is 
to create a physical infrastructure and human resource in critical 
platform technologies, provide an education curriculum in 
interdisciplinary areas of biotechnology, develop a world class 
program through international partnerships, and create biotechnology 
expertise in the South Asian Association of regional Cooperation 
(SAARC) region. 
 
¶6.  (U) Science Minister Kapil Sibal, in his meeting with Dr. 
 
NEW DELHI 00004659  002.2 OF 005 
 
 
Zerhouni and at the Indo-U.S. Meeting on Translational Health 
Sciences spoke of the need for new discovery through innovation and 
public funding to foster greater innovation through creation of an 
eco-system.  Sibal said the NIH had shown the way with its large 
investment in health-related research (NIH FY 2007 budget is USD 
29.2 billion) and looked forward to enhanced partnerships with 
India. 
 
¶7.  (U) Sibal stated that science is universal and industry needs to 
provide local solutions.  He also stated that India needs to develop 
globally acceptable standards and regulatory systems through an 
eco-system of connectivity.  Sibal said "we need no barriers to 
people, services and products."  Sibal acknowledged that in India 
"freedom of joints" is essential, by freeing universities that acted 
in isolation with no linkage to delivery systems, and with different 
forms of incentives. 
 
¶8.  (U) DBT's Secretary M.K. Bhan of the Ministry of Science and 
Technology (MOST) said the need of the hour for health care in India 
is to create a cadre of Indians with the right skills to bridge 
gaps, increase the exchange of ideas through international 
partnerships.  He emphasized the need for political leadership for 
institution building. 
 
¶9.  (SBU) In a conversation with Director Zerhouni and Mission 
Health Attache, Secretary Bhan admitted that the existing GOI 
systems and processes are the biggest hurdles for him.  He mentioned 
that he has started working "outside the system" by granting funds 
to outside entities and institutions, which eliminates political 
interventions and pressures.  He also mentioned his goal to develop 
several high-technology, biotechnology and health institutions over 
the next 3-5 years.  These new centers of excellence will bring 
opportunities for Indian and multinational Pharma and biotech 
companies to collaborate and invest. 
 
¶10.  (SBU) Secretary Bhan also mentioned to Director Zerhouni and 
Health Attache the need for coordination and consolidation of 
programs, to complement and promote real-time information sharing. 
His comment was directed at several USG agencies that collaborate 
with Indian institutions and agencies, but seem to be unaware of 
each others programs and interests. 
 
¶11.  (U) On October 4, 2007, Dr. M.K. Bhan and Dr. Zerhouni signed 
the Letter of Intent between the DBT and the NIH to initiate new 
collaboration in translational health research.  This collaboration 
will expedite research and development needed of new drugs, 
vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices.  In addition, NIBIB 
Director Pettigrew and DBT Secretary Bhan signed a bilateral 
agreement on Development of Low-Cost Diagnostic and Therapeutic 
Medical Technologies. 
 
¶12.  (U) Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Steven White delivered 
remarks at the Indo-U.S. Meeting on Translational Health Sciences 
stressed that an effective working relationship exists between the 
two countries in the area of health and biomedical research.  DCM 
White emphasized the need to develop a technical and policy 
framework in India that is compatible with international norms. 
 
¶13.  (U) In his key note address at the Indo-U.S. Meeting on 
Translational Health Sciences, Dr. Zerhouni spoke of the exciting 
time in science and the ability to understand disease at a molecular 
level and the role of the individual genetic make-up in the 
development of diseases.  This is moving the field in the direction 
of pre-emptive and personalized medical care.  Zerhouni stressed the 
importance of political leadership, sustained financial commitment, 
autonomous governance and openness to scientific interaction, and 
exploration of high risk, high reward ideas. 
 
¶14.  (U) DBT organized a meeting on Health Technologies at the 
 
NEW DELHI 00004659  003.2 OF 005 
 
 
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.  The meeting was 
attended by IIT faculty and students from the IIT and All India 
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).  Dr. Zerhouni stressed the 
role of interdisciplinary interaction between biological, medical, 
and physical sciences and the need for convergence between physics 
and biology.  Dr. Zerhouni said the potential existed for more 
cross-fertilization.  He said that there is a wide range of areas 
where the IIT's could collaborate with the NIH.  IIT officials 
informed the delegation of the proposed setting up of a School of 
Biological Sciences at IIT Delhi, and also of the intent to start an 
academic program in public policy in 2008 that would cover areas 
such as health sciences, energy and environment.  The IIT officials 
also gave details of the new collaboration with Stanford University 
on bio-design, supported by the DBT. 
 
Ministry of Health Launch of the Department of Health Research 
--------------------------------------------- -------- 
 
¶15.  (U) At the launch of the Department of Health Research (DHR) 
and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Annual Day 
Oration, Health Minister Anbumoni Ramadoss said that the DHR will be 
an autonomous arm of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with 
a substantial increase in budget.  Ramadoss said that the DHR 
represents a positive signal to the health science and health care 
industry.  The DHR will be engaged in starting a series of 
institutions with particular focus on cancers, diabetes, chronic and 
cardiovascular diseases, and the silent epidemic of mental health 
disorders. 
 
¶16.  (U) Minister Ramadoss said that his goal is to increase the 
health budget five fold this year and substantially more in the next 
year.  He also stated the importance of close collaboration with the 
Ministry of Science and Technology. 
 
¶17.  (U) Dr. Zerhouni delivered the ICMR Oration Award titled "Major 
Trends for Biomedical Research in the 21st century - The view from 
NIH" on the occasion of the ICMR Annual Day and received the Award 
from the Health Minister Ramadoss.  Dr. Zerhouni spoke of the need 
to harmonize regulations globally so we have no barriers. 
 
Functions of the DHR 
-------------------- 
 
¶18.  (U) The functions of the newly formed DHR are: 
- Promotion and co-ordination of basic, applied and clinical 
research including clinical trials and operational research, 
- Promote and provide guidance on research governance issues, 
including ethical issues in medical and health research, 
- Inter-sectoral coordination and promotion of public 
-private-partnership in medical, biomedical and health research 
related areas, 
- Advanced training in the research areas of medicine and health, 
including grant of fellowships for such training in India and 
abroad, 
- International co-operation in medical and health research, 
- Providing technical support during epidemics and natural 
calamities, 
- Investigation of outbreaks due to new and exotic agents and 
development of preventive tools, 
- Matters relating to scientific societies and associations, 
charitable and religious endowments in medicine and health research 
areas, 
- Coordination between organizations and institutes under the 
Central and State Governments in areas related to medicine and 
health, and, 
- All existing functions of the ICMR. 
 
India's Ministry of Health - Interactions 
----------------------------------------- 
 
NEW DELHI 00004659  004.2 OF 005 
 
 
 
¶19.  (U) Health Minister Ramadoss in his meeting with Dr. Zerhouni 
and his delegation said the Central Drug Authority of India (CDAI) 
would be based along the lines of the U.S. FDA.  He also spoke of 
the passing of the Bill for the creation of the Food Safety and 
Standards Authority of India (FSSA) (See Reftel).  Ramadoss said the 
biomedical equipment and devices draft bill would be a part of the 
CDAI. 
 
¶20.  (U) Science Minister Kapil Sibal clarified the confusion 
regarding regulation of medical devices and the proposed legislation 
within the Indian Parliament.  The Ministry of Science and 
Technology (MOST) would be the nodal agency for the regulation of 
medical devices.  ICMR Director General N.K. Ganguly said that the 
MOST has reached out to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in this 
regard. 
 
¶21.  (U) Minister Ramadoss reached out to Dr. Zerhouni for 
collaboration in developing vaccines for malaria and TB, low cost 
cochlear implants, cost-effective diagnostic kits for point of cure 
technologies for malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS, and tropical diseases. 
Ramadoss said that with the support of the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC) the Integrated Drug Surveillance 
Program is on-going through an India-wide network.  Ramadoss spoke 
of establishing a Medical Park for manufacturing medical devices and 
diagnostics and the Vaccine Park for vaccine manufacturing in 
Chennai. 
 
¶22.  (U) Minister Ramadoss said that the most important health care 
delivery system was the launch of the National Rural Health Mission 
(NRHM) which enabled the GOI to undertake a wide range of 
interventions aimed at improving public health delivery at all 
levels, although it took about 75 percent of the MOH budget. 
 
¶23.  (U) Dr. Zerhouni in his response said that with the strong 
relationship of collaboration through the NIH there were many 
avenues for more co-operation, particularly in the areas of 
infectious diseases, chronic diseases, cancer research, diabetes, 
ageing, avian influenza, vaccine research and capacity building. 
 
¶24.  (U) Dr. Zerhouni requested the Minister to look into expediting 
the review and approval process of NIH-funded grants by the Ministry 
of Health and Family Welfare.  Minister Ramadoss promised to sort 
out the problem of the slow speed of the Indian grant review.  MOH 
Secretary Naresh Dayal stated that the newly created DHR will be in 
 
SIPDIS 
position to expedite the clearing process of NIH grants. 
 
Interactions with Faculty of AIIMS and NIH Grantees 
--------------------------------------------- ------ 
 
¶25.  (U) Dr. Zerhouni and his delegation interacted with faculty of 
the AIIMS and invited NIH Grantees.  The delegation exchanged views 
on a host of issues. 
 
Interactions with the Public Health Foundation of India 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
 
¶26.  (U) Director Zerhouni met with the President of Public Health 
Foundation of India (PHFI), Dr. Srinath Reddy.  Dr. Reddy gave an 
overview of PHFI, including the support HHS and the U.S. Mission in 
Delhi provided in establishing PHFI.  Reddy stated that three 
Schools of Public Health are being developed at this time, with 
plans to establish a total of seven schools in India.  PHFI is 
sending professionals under their faculty development program to 
several U.S. Schools of Public Health.  Reddy also stated that the 
PHFI schools will enroll students from other countries in the 
region. 
 
¶27.  (SBU) Dr. Zerhouni reviewed NIH's programs in India and with 
 
NEW DELHI 00004659  005.2 OF 005 
 
 
the signing of the Joint Statement and Letter of Intent noted in 
paragraph 2, the number of agreements between NIH and India now 
totals nine; a high-water mark for U.S. - India health 
collaboration.  The continued success of our partnership can have a 
significant impact on the whole gamut of U.S. - India bilateral 
relations.  To that end, health collaboration should be amplified as 
a strategic part of the overall U.S. - India relationship. 
 
¶28.  (U) This cable was cleared by Dr. Roger Glass, Director, 
NIH/FIC. 
 
MULFORD