Central Asia Monitoring Desk Islamabad
First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, Hoshimzoda Homid Hasan has commended Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (ATSM) for its pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan in medical science and education.
“Medical sciences and education serve as the cornerstone for drawing our nations closer, with youth playing a key role in integrating institutions on both sides,” the Deputy Minister stated during a meeting in Dushanbe with a visiting delegation of media persons from Islamabad.
He highlighted institutional cooperation as a shared vision of both governments to expand collaboration in medical tourism and sciences, fostering economic growth. The two countries have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for student and faculty exchanges to deepen these ties.
The Deputy Minister stressed the media’s crucial role in raising awareness of opportunities, especially in medical tourism, to enhance health sector cooperation. He expressed optimism that the journalists’ visit would mark a milestone in promoting mutual understanding and collaboration.
Tajikistan is emerging as a regional hub for medical students from neighboring countries, with its universities adhering to international standards and providing modern facilities, he said.
The Minister said that our medical sector is also expanding advanced medical tourism, including specialized surgeries and treatments. He said that top leadership from both countries is committed to fostering people-to-people ties, which are vital for enduring bilateral relations.
Dr. Muhammad Abbas Mahar, CEO of MBBS Abroad was also present at this occasion. He noted that ATSM hosts 450 Pakistani medical students, significantly advancing medical education exchanges. “Tajikistan is poised to become a regional leader in medical education and health services, offering high-quality opportunities for international students,” he said.
Beyond clinical care, Tajikistan boasts strong potential in wellness tourism, with around 45 sanatoriums and health resorts providing mineral baths, mud therapy, herbal treatments, and programs for respiratory issues, musculoskeletal disorders, and overall recovery.
Earlier, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, Yusuf Sharifzoda Toir on 18 Dec, stressed the importance of further developing the potential of medical tourism and strengthening cooperation in the health sector between Tajikistan and Pakistan. Medical tourism can significantly improve bilateral cooperation in the health sector.
The Ambassador talking to the media persons in Islamabad, noted that mutual collaboration across various areas of healthcare, including medical tourism, would help bring the health industries and business communities of both countries closer together.
Tajikistan is increasingly positioning itself as a regional destination for medical students from neighboring countries, with local medical colleges following international standards of education and offering modern facilities, he said.
He said the country is also gradually expanding its capacity for advanced medical tourism, including surgeries and specialized treatments.
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Many foreign patients, primarily from Afghanistan and other regional countries, travel to Tajikistan in search of higher-quality and more affordable healthcare, especially due to limited modern medical facilities and equipment in their home countries.
Dr Muhammad Abbas Mahar said on the occasion that Tajikistan hopefully to be regional hub for medical education and health sector. In addition to clinical healthcare services, Tajikistan has strong potential in wellness and sanatorium-based tourism, supported by its rich natural resources.
He said the country is home to more than 200 hot mineral springs, therapeutic mud deposits, and clean mountainous air, which together create favorable conditions for health and wellness tourism.
Tajikistan has around 45 sanatoriums and health resorts that offer mineral baths, mud therapy, herbal treatments, and relaxation programs. These facilities are particularly popular for the treatment of respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and general health recovery, he said.
