TEHRAN – Shiraz Medical University and Tashkent National Medical University have been exploring ways to strengthen scientific, research and educational cooperation, as well as health tourism, between the two universities.
An Iranian delegation led by Fars Governor Hossein Ali Amiri visited Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The Health Ministry’s website reported on Monday that the group visited Tashkent State Medical University, hospitals in Termez and Surkandarya, universities, pharmaceutical companies, the food industry and clinics.
In a meeting between Rector Seyyed Bashir Hashemi of Shiraz Medical University and Rector Shuhrat Boimrodov of Tashkent National Medical University, the two sides agreed to promote cooperative efforts through the implementation of specialized courses for faculty and medical staff, short- and long-term internships, and the organization of summer and winter training courses for students.
In addition, Amiri and Surkandarya Governor Ulugbek Kasimov signed a memorandum of understanding for expanding cooperation in various fields, especially in the health sector.
Strengthen the health connection
On the sidelines of the 8th meeting of health ministries of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states held in April in Xi’an, China, Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarkandi and Uzbekistan’s Health Minister Ashirbek Khudayarov explored possibilities for expanding health cooperation.
Underscoring the friendly relations between the two countries, Foreign Minister Khudayarov expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness for further cooperation with Iran in the health sector, especially in health tourism and cancer treatment. The official also called for stronger ties through exchanges between professors and graduate students.
Foreign Minister Khudayarov referred to the registration of Iranian medicines shipped to Uzbekistan and proposed that Iranian companies manufacture medicines in Uzbekistan in order to expedite the registration procedure of medicines and access the West Asian market.
Zafarkandi said that in turn, Iran is ready to develop relations with Uzbekistan in all fields, including liver transplantation, cancer treatment, cell and gene therapy, cardiovascular surgery, and health tourism, which will also pave the way for expanded health diplomacy.
In November 2024, Uzbekistan expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Iran in various fields, including health, education, and technology.
The country requested Iran’s health sector to provide online consultation to Uzbek experts and establish direct links between medical experts from both countries.
Mohammad Hossein Niknam, Deputy Minister of Health of Iran, said: “The Ministry of Health of Iran welcomes the expansion of cooperation with neighboring and friendly countries for the purpose of mutual progress and development.”
He added that the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan focuses on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, primarily in women and children, as well as orthopedic diseases and traumatology.
Expanding cooperation in the scientific field, exchanging students and professors, promoting knowledge-based cooperation between companies, participating in scientific and technological events including technology exhibitions, and organizing joint seminars, conferences and symposiums were among the most important focuses of the conference.
MT/MG