India, SCO nations boost health cooperation at ministerial meet in China
Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative health development at the Eighth Meeting of Health Ministers on April 28, 2025. Held in Xi’an, the gathering included health officials from China, India, Iran, Russia, and Central Asian countries, as well as WHO representatives and SCO dialogue partners.
The meeting focused on strengthening emergency medical systems, promoting primary healthcare, advancing digital health technologies, and enhancing traditional medicine based on national expertise. The SCO Secretary-General highlighted public health as a pillar of sustainable development, urging deeper coordination among member states.
India and Iran used the platform to advance bilateral cooperation. In a key meeting, Indian Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and Iranian Health Minister Dr. Bahram Zafarqandi agreed to expand joint efforts in pharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine development, and traditional medicine. Zafarqandi emphasized Iran’s readiness to supply pharmaceutical raw materials and collaborate on medical training and research.
Both sides underlined their countries’ shared heritage in traditional medicine and discussed joint research and exchange programs. Srivastava noted India’s openness to deepen collaboration under the existing health agreement, particularly in primary healthcare and digital health systems.
Zafarqandi also met with Uzbekistan’s Health Minister Asilbek Khudayarov, who proposed Iranian pharmaceutical companies manufacture medicines locally to improve regional market access. Discussions included cooperation in cancer treatment, health tourism, and academic exchanges.
Earlier in the visit, Zafarqandi attended a forum on Iran-China medical technology cooperation. With 18 Chinese firms presenting products and proposals, the session highlighted opportunities in technology transfer and manufacturing partnerships to support Iran’s healthcare system.
The SCO health ministers signed two key documents , including the Declaration of the Eighth Meeting of Health Ministers and the SCO Medical Emergency Action Plan, signaling a united front on improving health systems, resilience, and regional well-being.
India’s leadership in pharmaceutical innovation and Iran’s strategic interest in deepening health ties position the two countries as pivotal players in shaping a more integrated regional health agenda under the SCO framework.
Category: Community
