Tehran and Ankara Collaborate in Joint Health Committee Meeting to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

In a significant move towards enhancing healthcare collaboration, the health ministries of Iran and Turkey convened an online meeting on Thursday. This gathering, featuring key officials from both nations, aimed to bolster cooperation in the health sector, focusing on mutual benefits and regional health needs.

The meeting saw the participation of Mohammad-Hossein Niknam, the Iranian deputy health minister for international affairs, and Aziz Alper Biten, director general for the European Union and Foreign Affairs at Turkey’s health ministry. Also present were Mohammad-Hassan Habibllahzadeh, the Iranian Ambassador to Ankara, and Hicabi Kirlangic, the Turkish ambassador to Tehran.

Strengthening Bilateral Health Cooperation

During the meeting, Niknam underscored the impressive capabilities of the healthcare systems in both countries. He emphasized the necessity of fostering cooperation to address both bilateral and regional health challenges. Key proposals included:

• Expanding collaborative partnerships in medicine and medical equipment.
• Enhancing medical studies through improved interactions between universities of medical sciences.
• Conducting health research focused on both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Providing specialized treatment services to patients in need.
• Developing health infrastructure and making joint investments.

In line with the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 2018, Niknam proposed the formulation of an action plan to further solidify this cooperation, which would be shared with the Turkish health ministry.

Expressing Turkey’s commitment, Aziz welcomed Iran’s proposal, expressing optimism that the implementation of this action plan would strengthen ties across various health sectors.

Historical Context of Cooperation

The foundation for this collaboration was laid in 2018 when Iran and Turkey signed an MOU to enhance bilateral cooperation in health and medical care. This agreement was formalized during a visit by a high-ranking Iranian delegation to Turkey to participate in the 5th Session of the High Council of Iran-Turkey Strategic Relations.

Earlier that year, another significant agreement was formed between Iran’s Salamat Health Insurance Organization and Turkey’s Medofas Medical, focusing on the development of healthcare systems through the integration of information technology and electronic infrastructures.

Iran’s Health Sector: A Regional Model

In January, President Masoud Pezeshkian praised Iran’s health system, referring to it as a role model for the region and beyond. In a letter addressed to a national seminar in Mashhad, he acknowledged the remarkable advancements in the health sector, attributing these successes to the relentless efforts of health workers.

Key achievements highlighted by Pezeshkian include:

• A notable increase in life expectancy.
• A significant reduction in infant mortality rates.
• Effective control of infectious diseases.
• A decrease in complications arising from chronic diseases.

All these improvements are credited to the dedication and commitment of healthcare professionals, who have played a vital role in providing vaccinations, prenatal care, health education, and training new generations of health staff across the nation.

International Recognition

In October 2024, Iran’s health sector received further international recognition when the World Health Organization’s (WHO) director for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO), Hanna Hasan Balkhi, referred to it as a model for the region. Balkhi expressed a desire to expand cooperation with Iran, emphasizing the importance of leveraging full regional capabilities.

During a meeting with Iranian officials, including Alireza Raeisi and Niknam, Balkhi noted, “During my short visit to Iran a few months ago, I became familiar with the capabilities of Iran in the health sector; Iran is a role model in health in the region.” He reiterated the WHO’s commitment to support the implementation of health programs in Iran.

As Iran and Turkey continue to strengthen their healthcare partnerships, the focus remains on improving health outcomes for their citizens while setting an example for cooperation in the region.

In conclusion, the online meeting between the health ministries of Iran and Turkey marks a pivotal step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in healthcare. With shared goals and a commitment to addressing health challenges, both nations are poised to improve their healthcare systems and serve as a model for regional collaboration.