NEW DELHI, Nov 14: Health ministers from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation voiced concern on Friday that new WTO patent regimes could significantly increase the cost of medicines in poorer nations.

They called for member nations to pool their medical resources and learn to recognize each other’s medical needs for effective healthcare.

“It is the need of the hour to sit together to examine the implications of new patent regimes which we will face very shortly,” Indian Health Minister Sushma Swaraj was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India.

The minister was speaking at the inauguration of the first meeting of health ministers belonging to Saarc.

Ms Swaraj said there were concerns that under the new WTO rules, there might be a substantial increase in the cost of medicines.

Health Minister Mohammad Nasir Khan said member countries should invest more in social sectors like health and education.

Health ministers from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Bhutan also attended the meeting.—APP/ AFP