Pakistan, Türkiye agree to joint health team to expand medical cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to establish a joint team of health experts to enhance bilateral cooperation and identify new avenues for collaboration in the healthcare sector.

The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal during a meeting with the Turkish ambassador, attended by senior delegations from both sides.

During the meeting, participants held detailed discussions on strengthening cooperation in healthcare, including prospects for promoting health tourism and providing high-quality medical services to international patients. Officials from both countries also shared insights into their respective health systems and institutional frameworks, highlighting opportunities for administrative collaboration and investment in hospital infrastructure.

Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in key areas such as the production, trade and technology transfer of medical devices, as well as broader health-related products. Discussions also focused on encouraging public-private partnerships and exploring new investment avenues to modernise and strengthen the healthcare sector.

The minister reaffirmed the longstanding and close ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, stressing the importance of deepening collaboration in the health domain.

He said the proposed joint team would prepare a comprehensive document outlining priority areas for cooperation. This would be followed by the establishment of a “one-window” system aimed at streamlining coordination and facilitating effective implementation of joint initiatives.

Officials from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), including its chief executive officer, along with a joint secretary from the ministry, have been designated as focal persons to oversee the initiative.

The move is being seen as part of broader efforts by both countries to translate strong political ties into tangible cooperation in social sectors, particularly healthcare, where shared expertise and investment could yield long-term benefits.