Malaysia – Iran to have strategic collaborations in three health areas
Malaysia and Iran would be having strategic collaborations in three health areas, revealed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
“Malaysia recognises Iran’s technical expertise and scientific advancement in healthcare — and believes this collaboration can harness our shared strengths for the benefit of global health,” he said via a Facebook post.
The minister said that Malaysia wants to learn Iran’s model of organ transplantation as Tehran is known to be among the most advanced in implementing ethical, structured and sustainable organ transplant programme.
“Iran is recognised as one of the most advanced countries in implementing an ethical, structured and sustainable organ transplant programme. Malaysia aims to learn from Iran’s model, including donor coordination, governance, and regulatory frameworks.”
In addition to that, Dzulkefly also said Putrajaya and Tehran would be cooperating in terms of pharmaceutical regulatory agencies and medical devices.
“Both countries possess strong regulatory capabilities through NPRA/MDA and IFDA. Collaboration on GMP, market surveillance, and halal product recognition can open up broader regional opportunities for our health industries.”
NPRA/MDA is the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, MDA- Medical Device Authority. Both are agencies under the Health Ministry.
IFDA refers to the International Food and Drug Association and GMP is Good Manufacturing Practice.
The third collaboration is regarding medical research and digital health innovation.
“Iran has a strong track record in biomedical research and epidemiology. Malaysia sees strategic value in developing joint research networks focused on digital health innovation, disease control, and crisis preparedness.
He said this following a bilateral meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Dr Mohammad – Reza Zafarghandi on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly78 that is currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.
Dr Dzulkefly also had a meeting with Egypt’s Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar.
Five key areas both Malaysia and Egypt would be looking to collaborate are:
- Strengthening primary healthcare
- Health digitalisation
- Development of the nursing workforce
- Research, clinical trials, and collaboration in pharmaceutical regulation and trade
“On rare diseases, both countries affirmed our shared commitment to expand access to early diagnosis, innovative treatments, and cross-border research.
“Malaysia also shared updates on the upcoming launch of our National Rare Disease Policy and the establishment of a dedicated National Trust Fund to support affected patients.”