ISLAMABAD, October 6. /Dunyo IA/.  Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev met with Chairman of the Pakistani organization “Maroof International Hospital” Naseer Ahmed, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the meeting, parties discussed prospects for further expanding practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in the fields of healthcare, medical education and medical tourism.

Particular attention was paid to the establishment of a modern diagnostic center or a specialized medical clinic in Uzbekistan with the participation of “Maroof International Hospital” and in the long term, the launch of a full-fledged medical institution under the “Maroof International Hospital” brand. Pakistani side expressed interest in implementing investment projects in Uzbekistan in these areas.

At the initial stage, it was proposed to develop short-term educational programs lasting from 3 to 6 months in cooperation with medical colleges (technikums) of Uzbekistan. Within the framework of these programs, special attention will be paid to the training and professional development of mid-level medical personnel - nurses, laboratory diagnostics specialists, emergency medical service employees and other specialists - based on modern methods and approaches.

Parties also exchanged views on conducting online classes, masterclasses, and practical training sessions involving qualified specialists from “Maroof International Hospital”, organizing short-term internships and practical training for students of medical educational institutions, as well as establishing a systematic exchange of experience.

During the meeting, issues of cooperation in the field of medical technologies and pharmaceuticals were also reviewed. In particular, the representative of Pakistan expressed interest in exporting coronary stents manufactured in the Bukhara Region based on South Korean technologies to the Pakistani market.

Special attention during the negotiations was paid to the development of medical tourism and the establishment of patient exchange between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. In particular, parties supported proposals for the comprehensive provision of modern services in the field of medical diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation to citizens of Pakistan in Uzbekistan, integrating them into tourism programs, as well as expanding opportunities for providing medical assistance to citizens of Uzbekistan at the clinics of “Maroof International Hospital”.

Parties emphasized that imbuing cooperation in the fields of healthcare and medical education with concrete, practical projects will contribute to the further strengthening of the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

“Maroof International Hospital” was founded in 2009. Currently, the clinic operates as a multidisciplinary private medical institution. Hospital features departments and units specializing in areas such as cardiac surgery, pediatric cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, minimally invasive surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, intensive care and emergency medical services.