According to Webda; on Monday June 24, 2025, Dr. Amirkhani, Deputy Director General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Health, referred to the three basic strategies of the Ministry of Health in international affairs: the necessity of internationalizing the capacity of medical universities, developing regional cooperation and playing an effective role for the country in this area, as well as expanding economic cooperation in the health sector, and also pointed to significant progress in the realization of these strategies.

 

Dr. Amirkhani pointed to the country's capabilities in the international arena, citing examples such as Iran's representation in the WFME (World Federation for Medical Education) to evaluate the medical education system programs of countries in the region and the existence of nearly 20 WHO collaborating research centers in Iran.

 

He also announced the holding of numerous health courses for health managers from regional and neighboring countries, which reflects Iran's prominent position in the region.

 

 In this meeting, Dr. Amirkhani explained five key programs in the Ministry of Health's operational plan for the internationalization of medical universities and noted: These programs include developing health diplomacy; internationalization in medical education by attracting foreign students, signing memorandums of understanding, and exchanging professors and students; internationalization in the field of research and technology through implementing joint research projects, attracting grants, and publishing in reputable international journals; and internationalization of treatment by attracting international patients and training medical managers from regional countries.

 

He added: "Also, internationalization in the field of medicine and medical equipment through exports, technology transfer, investor attraction, and joint production are other main focuses of these programs."

 

Dr. Seyed Ahmad Hashemi, NKUMS Chancellor, also expressed his satisfaction with the holding of this meeting and stated: "Given the university's high capacities and the plans made, we hope to be able to take effective steps towards achieving the major goals of internationalization and further enhance the university's role in the global arena."

 

He emphasized: "Every university must, according to upstream documents, play its part in earning foreign exchange through designated international programs, and this requires careful planning and synergy between all departments of the university in order to achieve the set goals."

 

Stating that the globalization of education and research is one of the necessities for the growth and development of the university, and that an effective presence in the international arena provides the basis for scientific advancement and benefiting from global experiences, he said: "I hope that with the efforts of all the vice-chancellors and utilizing existing capacities, we can significantly increase the university's share in the international scientific and administrative space."

 

Dr. Esmail Garivani, Director of International Affairs of the university, also thanked all members for their attendance and announced the holding of separate meetings with each vice-chancellor so that specialized internationalization programs could be developed and implemented for each department.

 

He suggested that a university internationalization committee be formed with representatives from all vice-chancelleries so that, through periodic meetings, the performance of each area and strengths and challenges identified for continuous improvement can be evaluated.