TEHRAN –Iran and Belarus have explored the potential to beef up cooperation in academic, pharmaceutical, and medical equipment sectors.

Belarusian ambassador to Iran, Dmitry Koltsov, in a meeting in Tehran on Sunday with Health Minister, Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi, said relations between the two countries can be further strengthened in the field of health.

The official expressed the Belarusian health minister's interest in paying a visit to Iran to promote ties with the country in the health sector. 

“The healthcare system in Iran has made great achievements, and Belarus is ready to sign a memorandum of understanding to expand collaboration with the country,” Koltsov highlighted, the health ministry’s website reported.

Currently, a large number of Iranian students are studying in four medical universities in Belarus, the country is seeking to attract even more students, he noted.

Referring to Iran’s self-sufficiency in manufacturing 98 percent of medicines needed by the country, he expressed his country’s willingness to import Iranian-made medicines and medical tools. 

Zafarqandi, for his part, welcomed the idea of developing ties between Iran and Belarus in the field of medicine, and proposed establishing a specialized working group to discuss ways for further boosting collaborations.

Highlighting the importance of observing standards and the quality of education, the health minister said “Students can be exchanged once we are ensured of standards and the quality of education in other countries.”

“Last year, Abolfazl Baqerifard, an official with the health ministry, paid a visit to Belarus. Fortunately, the visit was fruitful. We are optimistic that periodical assessments by Iran will result in continuous improvement of medical universities in Belarus,” Zafarqandi highlighted.

Belarus interested in boosting ties with Iran

On September 15, Koltsov said Belarus is interested in boosting ties and cooperation with Iran in the fields of medicine, health, and treatment.

He 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 official made the remarks 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.

MT/MG