Healthcare, medical education, professional exchange: President directs to advance cooperation with Uzbekistan

ISLAMABAD: On the directions of President Asif Ali Zardari, following his meeting with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan, a meeting was convened at Aiwan-e-Sadr to deliberate on practical avenues of bilateral cooperation in healthcare, medical education and recognition of medical institutions and qualifications in both countries.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Asim Hussain, Personal Physician to the President.

The Uzbek side, joining virtually, was represented by Babayev Alisher, First Deputy Minister of Health; Alizhanov Abror; Prof Yusupalieva Gulnora; and Prof Gulyamov Surat.

The meeting was informed that during the recent state visit to Pakistan by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a broad set of 28 memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements were exchanged between Pakistan and Uzbekistan across diverse sectors including health, education and pharmaceuticals, reaffirming both countries’ intent to strengthen bilateral collaboration.

Pakistan’s side included secretary to the president, chairman of the Higher Education Commission, the president of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.

The meeting noted that more than 1,200 Pakistani students are currently studying in Uzbekistan in various disciplines, and that Uzbekistan has registered over 180 types of Pakistani pharmaceutical products, reflecting expanding people-to-people and commercial links.

Dr Asim Hussain emphasised the potential to further expand cooperation in medical education, scientific research and the practical training of doctors.

Uzbekistan officials provided an overview of their healthcare sector, noting the presence of approximately 9,000 private clinics, with half of surgical procedures conducted in private facilities, and expressed interest in providing job opportunities to Pakistani doctors and allied professionals.

The meeting concluded with an understanding to continue consultations and to examine modalities for moving forward in line with the president’s direction. It was agreed that a delegation of Pakistani health professionals would soon visit Uzbekistan to follow up on the discussions and decisions made today.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026