TEHRAN –The Belarusian ambassador to Iran, Dmitry Koltsov, has said his country is interested in boosting ties and cooperation with Iran in the fields of medicine, health, and treatment.

Describing the relations between Belarus and Iran as friendly at any level, Koltsov said that cooperation between the two countries is progressing rapidly in various fields, and enhancing medical collaborations is a key focus of joint activities as well, the health ministry website reported.

The official made the remarks on Sunday while paying a visit to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences to become familiar with the university’s medical, educational, and research capabilities.

Referring to the fact that approximately a thousand Iranian students have been studying at the Belarusian University since last year, the official highlighted Belarus is home to one of the largest universities of medical sciences, he proposed fostering cooperation between the two universities by preparing a draft agreement to be signed later. The officials can follow up on the educational issues via video calls.

Farhad Gholami, Chancellor of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, for his part, welcomed the idea and expressed optimism for the development of ties in medicine and paramedicine fields to promote and excel the two universities in the fields of health and prevention, treatment, and education.

Iran’s health system a role model

In August 2023, former Health Minister Bahram Einollahi said Iran’s health system is one of the most successful models in the world.

The World Health Organization has always had an effective collaboration with the country, he added, IRNA reported.

He made the remarks in a meeting with ambassadors and representatives of international organizations in Tehran.

“Cooperation among countries for health development depends on their inter-sectoral interactions and collaborations.

After the coronavirus pandemic, health diplomacy has improved a lot. Health plays a key role in the diplomacy of countries because it is a common concern and pivotal point for all,” IRNA quoted Einollahi as saying.

“The sustainable development of countries depends on the health issue. Therefore, promoting cooperation among nations in medical education, sharing new health technologies, developing health and treatment systems, supplying needed medicines and medical equipment, and securing fair access to health care services should be set as priorities for countries,” he added.

He went on to say that based on international organizations and global standards, Iran's medical education has reached a good point.

Domestic knowledge-based companies have made the country self-sufficient to a great extent, he said, adding that advanced medical equipment and 95 percent of the needed medicines including six approved coronavirus vaccines have been supplied by knowledge-based companies which is a source of pride.

“Health tourism in the country is developing. Some 1.2 million foreign patients suffering from chronic diseases come to Iran annually for treatment,” Einollahi highlighted.

“Having received accreditation in the field of medical education, we are honored to share our experiences with other nations.”

In May 2023, Ricardo León-Bórquez, the president of the World Federation of Medical Education, praised Iran for progress in the health sector.

“Iran has paid much attention to the importance of medical education and can be one of the key members of the World Federation of Medical Education in the accreditation process,” he added.

MT/MG