Web Release 2008

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Visits India

January 18, 2008                                   (Photo Gallery)

New Delhi - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael O. Leavitt visited India January 5 - 12, 2008.  Secretary Leavitt visited sites in Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin, and New Delhi that produce food and medicine for export to the United States as well as health care facilities that deliver polio vaccine and provide care and treatment for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

In New Delhi, Secretary Leavitt had a very lively discussion with over 500 graduate/post-graduate level students in a "Town Hall" setting at the Jamia Millia Islamia where he spoke about the wider strategic partnership between the U.S. and India and the joint efforts by the two countries to eradicate diseases. He also indicated that the U.S. could help India set up a regulatory body on the lines of the Food and Drug Administration to raise awareness about food and drug safety in this country.

Secretary Leavitt also met with senior officials in the Indian Government and business leaders in the export community. This trip was the Secretary's fourth trip to Asia since taking office at HHS.