The Maldives and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in healthcare, including the recruitment of health professionals, medical training and collaboration between the two countries’ medicines regulatory authorities.
The cooperation was discussed during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Pakistan, with both countries exchanging memorandums of understanding covering several areas of healthcare.
The agreements include an MoU on health cooperation and collaboration between the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) and Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority, as well as a separate agreement on the recruitment of health professionals.
Speaking during a joint press statement in Islamabad on Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said around 250 Pakistani doctors were serving in the Maldives alongside Pakistani paramedics.
Sharif said Pakistan was willing to continue supporting the Maldives’ healthcare requirements, adding that the two countries could expand cooperation to meet future needs.
President Muizzu said the discussions included expanding opportunities for Maldivian students and medical professionals. This includes increasing placements under Pakistan’s technical assistance programme and exploring opportunities for Maldivian medical graduates to undertake internships in Pakistan.
The two leaders also highlighted the importance of education, professional training and capacity building as part of their broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
The agreements were among 20 memorandums of understanding exchanged during the state visit, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan.
