TEHRAN: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza an important meeting with Minister for Health and Medical Education of Iran Mr Saeed Namaki in Tehran.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 66th Session of Regional Committee Meeting of World Health Organisation (WHO) being participated by health ministers and high level delegates of Eastern Mediterranean region comprising 22 countries.
Dr Mirza mentioned Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision to establish a welfare state where better health for people is an important component. He recalled that his first visit after taking along with the prime minister was tof Iran and the first document he signed was an MOU in the field of health with Iran.
He highlighted various reforms initiated by present government in the health sector including key initiatives like social health protection which is being extended in phases to all eligible families across Pakistan.
He also lauded the achievements of Iran in the area of universal health coverage as an example in the region and said that primary health-care, polio eradication, controlling communicable and non-communicable diseases, pharmaceuticals and health reforms are areas in which both countries can collaborate and benefit from each other’s experiences.
The Iranian health minister said he was delighted that a global health expert was looking after health affairs in Pakistan and expressed his desire to provide complete support to strengthen the health system of Pakistan.
Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in diverse areas. It was shared that a 14-member delegation of health experts from all over Pakistan will be visiting Iran in November for two weeks to study the country’s health system. Likewise, Iranian side was invited to send its health experts to Pakistan on a mutually agreed date.
Dr Mirza shared that his Ministry has reached an agreement with Ministry of Interior to provide space and facilities at Taftan border between Iran and Pakistan where a health post will be established to cater to the needs of the travelers including Zaireen. The two sides also agreed to cooperate in the fields of pharmaceuticals and medical education.
