The first group of doctors from Sindh has arrived in China to begin specialised training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), marking a milestone in Pakistan-China healthcare cooperation. The opening ceremony took place at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, where six Pakistani doctors, nominated by the Government of Sindh, commenced their advanced TCM training.
This initiative, supported by Hunan University of Medicine and Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, aims to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity in specialised TCM practice. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH and guest of honour at the event, described the program as a new chapter in the growing partnership between Pakistan and China in healthcare and traditional medicine.
Prof. Dr. Choudhary credited Prof. Dr. Xinmin Liu for his key role in establishing the China-Pakistan Joint Centre for Traditional Medicine, which has launched joint research projects and created broad training opportunities. He highlighted ongoing collaborations in technician and post-doctoral training, space medicine research, AI applications in biomedical sciences, and joint projects at leading Chinese institutions.
Expressing appreciation for the Sindh Health Minister, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, and the provincial government, Dr. Choudhary emphasised their commitment to sending Pakistani doctors for TCM training, which will enhance healthcare capabilities back home. He noted the shared heritage of traditional healing systems, TCM in China and Unani in Pakistan, and the potential for integrating these with modern, evidence-based practices for the public good.
The ceremony also featured remarks from senior officials, including Mr. He Qinghu, President of Hunan University of Medicine, Mr. Yin Shengxin, First Secretary at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, and Mr. Khan Muhammad Wazir, Science and Technology Counsellor at the Pakistani Embassy in China. Other notable attendees included senior scientists and faculty members from both universities.
Dr. Choudhary concluded by thanking university leaders for their dedication to advancing health sciences collaboration, reaffirming COMSTECH’s commitment to fostering impactful, people-centred scientific partnerships between Pakistan and China.
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