Iran, Tajikistan aim to enhance cooperation in health sector
In a step towards bolstering collaboration on healthcare, the Minister of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education of Iran engaged in a joint meeting with his Tajik counterpart.
The meeting, which aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation in health indicators growth, witnessed discussions between Bahram Einollahi and Jamoliddin Abdullozoda, Tajikistan’s Minister of Health, according to ISNA.
During the meeting, Einollahi highlighted the remarkable progress made by Iran’s health sector following its Islamic Revolution. He emphasized the establishment of a comprehensive health network spanning all regions of the country.
Furthermore, Einollahi underscored Iran’s successful efforts in eradicating polio through extensive nationwide vaccination programs. He emphasized that Iran possesses valuable experience in controlling infectious diseases, which can be shared with Tajikistan.
Aware of the challenges posed by years of sanctions, the Iranian minister asserted that these obstacles have not only failed to impede progress but have actually spurred it.
In the field of health, Iran has developed short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans for specific engagements with Tajikistan, Einollahi pointed out.
Moreover, he emphasized the need to streamline the procurement of Iranian medicines in Tajikistan, which currently faces unusual pricing and hurdles due to bureaucratic inefficiencies. By removing these obstacles, Iranian medicines can be made available to the people of Tajikistan at reasonable prices.
Einollahi further emphasized that Iran possesses advanced laboratories and highly skilled scientists, whose expertise can contribute to improving health indicators in Tajikistan. Notably, Iran’s scientific community has made strides in the development of highly advanced drugs, particularly in the area of tuberculosis therapy.
Abdullozoda, the Minister of Health and Wellness of Tajikistan, shared his admiration for Iran’s achievements in healthcare during the meeting. He noted that his visit to Iran had provided valuable insights into various aspects of health, healthcare, and treatment. Tajik minister particularly highlighted the significance of dental and laboratory equipment, which he deemed worthy of attention.
Expressing a desire to capitalize on Iran’s experiences, Abdullozoda emphasized the potential for the transformation of Tajikistan’s health sector through the exchange of Iranian expertise. He suggested organizing re-training courses for Tajikistan’s medical specialists conducted by Iranian professors and exploring the export of medicines and medical equipment from Iran to Tajikistan.
Currently, Tajikistan’s medicine requirements are met through agreements with 11 Iranian pharmaceutical companies. Abdullozoda proposed further cooperation in pharmaceuticals, mentioning the potential for sharing Tajikistan’s herbal and healing medicines with Iranian pharmaceutical specialists.
He also acknowledged Iran’s self-sufficiency in meeting its medicinal needs and expressed Tajikistan’s need for Iran’s cooperation in implementing international agreements to address its medicine requirements.