Q: How do you look at India as a destination for health collaborations?

India has got very rich academic profile having highly qualified scientists. If we join forces then we can become strong internationally rather than going alone. For example the recent collaboration on the joint project in the area of brain diseases will go a long way to make, I think for this cohort study (for diagnosis and curing dementia and other brain diseases), India has a large population and if we use technology, we can make progress. That is the aim of the particular study. There is much more scope to work together on similar studies in different areas of science.

Q: What are methods to be employed for ensuring healthcare facilities for all?

The public private partnerships (PPPs) are very important and can give rise to numerous possibilities. So life science can address the issue in a hugely populated country like India where you don't see hospitals being put everywhere. It is good not to repeat mistakes and learn from the past ones. There is a need to utilize the mobile healthcare and telemedicine facilities for reaching out to huge populations.

Q: India spends less on research as compared to others. What is your view?

Looking at it from positive angle, I would say India and China spend 10 percent of world's research and development (R&D) efforts. Within 10 years, it will be doubled to 20 percent. India's poverty has a different scale as compared to other nations. Sometimes even if you have everything(in developing nations), there is always dissatisfaction and then people ask more not just better but best of facilities.

Q: Which are the areas where mutual cooperation can be expected between two countries?

The generic medicine is very important to help the pharma companies in keeping the prices affordable. I think it is important business where we can cooperate as well. India has plenty of good universities and scientists. Studies reveal that the numbers of organizations in India are incredible. There are lot of Indian companies in Netherland and Indians are the most fast growing population there. I think that there are lot of opportunities to join hands and work together.