Tuesday, November 15 2005 17:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: India will seek from China supply of vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis (JE), which has claimed over one thousand lives in Uttar Pradesh, and explore possibilities of cooperating in the field of systems of traditional medicine.

Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, who arrived here today (Nov 15, 2005) on a five-day visit aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in the health sector, would seek the vaccines during his talks with health officials to start vaccination in the endemic areas from next year.

China is the only country in the world where the JE vaccine is available in sizable quantity. It would be easier to procure the vaccine from China.

The minister would explore the possibilities of bilateral cooperation in various areas of health sector, including traditional medicine, official sources said.

His talks would also cover stem cell research and new technologies in reproductive health, they said adding Ramadoss would also visit the Chinese exposition on 'Family Planning and Reproductive Health New technologies and products' being held in Beijing from Wednesday.

The Minister also plans to visit Chinese traditional medicine establishments and medicinal plant processing and export zone.