Iranian and Uzbek Universities Join Forces to Boost Health Cooperation
In recent developments, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Tashkent State Medical University have initiated a partnership aimed at boosting scientific, research, and educational collaboration, as well as promoting health tourism between the two institutions. This initiative comes following a visit by an Iranian delegation, led by Fars province’s governor, Hossein-Ali Amiri, to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The Iranian delegation’s visit included tours of Tashkent State Medical University, hospitals, universities in Termez and Surkhandarya, as well as pharmaceutical and food industry facilities. This exploration underscores the commitment of both countries to enhance their health sectors and educational frameworks.
During a significant meeting between Seyyed Basir Hashemi, the chancellor of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, and Shukhrat Boymurodov, the chancellor of Tashkent State Medical University, both parties agreed to strengthen their collaborative efforts. Key initiatives discussed included:
- Conducting specialized courses for faculty members and medical staff
- Organizing short-term and long-term internships for students
- Facilitating summer and winter training courses
Furthermore, Amiri and Ulugbek Kasimov, the governor of Surkhandarya Province, signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in various fields, particularly in health.
Enhancing Health Ties
On a related note, the eighth meeting of health ministers from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) took place in April in Xi’an, China. During this meeting, Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi and his Uzbek counterpart, Asilbek Khudayarov, discussed ways to enhance health cooperation.
Khudayarov highlighted the friendly relations between Iran and Uzbekistan, expressing the country’s readiness to collaborate further in the health sector, particularly in:
- Health tourism
- Cancer treatment
He also advocated for strengthening ties through the exchange of professors and postgraduate students, which is crucial for knowledge transfer and skill enhancement.
In the context of Iranian pharmaceuticals, Khudayarov mentioned the registration of Iranian medicines imported into Uzbekistan. He proposed that Iranian companies establish manufacturing units in Uzbekistan to simplify the drug registration process and gain access to the West Asia market.
In response, Zafarqandi affirmed Iran’s readiness to deepen ties with Uzbekistan across various domains, including:
- Liver transplantation
- Cancer treatment
- Cell and gene therapy
- Cardiovascular surgery
- Health tourism
This collaborative spirit sets the stage for an expansion of health diplomacy between the two nations.
In November 2024, Uzbekistan reiterated its interest in enhancing cooperation with Iran in diverse sectors, including health, education, and technology. The country has requested that Iran’s health sector offer online consultations to Uzbek professionals and establish direct communication links between medical specialists in both countries.
As Mohammad-Hossein Niknam, the Iranian deputy health minister, stated, “The Iranian health ministry welcomes expanding collaborations aimed at mutual progress and development with neighboring and friendly countries.”
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan has prioritized the treatment of:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cancers among women and children
- Orthopedic disorders and traumatology
These focus areas reflect a commitment to improving health outcomes within the region.
Lastly, the meeting highlighted the importance of:
- Expanding cooperation in scientific fields
- Exchanging students and professors
- Promoting knowledge-based collaboration among companies
- Participating in scientific and technological events
- Holding joint seminars, meetings, and symposia
These initiatives aim to foster a robust partnership between Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Tashkent State Medical University, representing a pivotal step towards enhancing health and educational services in both countries.
