By Hasan Salahuddin

The inauguration of the China–Pakistan Joint Neurosurgery Training Centre in Wuhan marks an important step in expanding bilateral medical cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, while addressing Pakistan’s shortage of specialized neurosurgical care.

Unveiled on April 10 at the China-Pakistan International Neurosurgery Symposium, the centre reflects a strategic partnership between Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS), and the China-Pakistan Medical Association (CPMA). The memorandum of understanding provides a framework for clinical training, academic exchange, joint research, and improved patient care.

China’s advanced neurosurgical ecosystem, supported by institutions such as the National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, offers a strong foundation for practical training and collaboration. This enables the Wuhan centre to contribute to building professional capacity in Pakistan’s neurosurgical field.

Pakistan continues to face a significant shortage of neurosurgeons. A 2024 study published in World Neurosurgery: X reported just one neurosurgeon per 720,000 people, while a 2025 review in the Asian Journal of Neurosurgery placed workforce density at 0.28 per 100,000—well below the internationally accepted benchmark of 0.5 per 100,000.

These gaps highlight the need for sustained efforts to expand specialist training and improve access to advanced care.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Dr Sajjad Ahmad, Head of Neurosurgery Unit at Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, said the Wuhan centre could strengthen clinical skills, academic development, and healthcare delivery through structured training and collaboration.

He noted that although institutions like the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan have made progress, many specialists still lack access to advanced subspecialty training, modern technologies, and internationally recognized fellowship pathways.

He said neurosurgery requires continuous training and exposure to evolving techniques, making overseas partnerships essential. The Wuhan centre is expected to offer fellowships in key subspecialties, including skull base surgery, neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery, cerebrovascular surgery, and neurocritical care.

Dr Ahmad added that training in high-volume centres allows surgeons to handle complex cases more effectively and strengthen clinical decision-making, particularly benefiting young consultants and senior trainees.

He emphasized that the initiative could also support improvements in clinical practices and operating systems, contributing to better patient outcomes.

For long-term sustainability, he recommended a “train-the-trainer” approach, where selected Pakistani specialists receive training in Wuhan and then establish similar programs locally.

He also highlighted the potential for joint research on region-specific challenges, including traumatic brain injury, road traffic accidents, hydrocephalus, neuro-infections, and stroke management.

However, he cautioned that the programme’s success would depend on clear trainee selection criteria, language support, consistent funding, and mechanisms to ensure that trained professionals contribute to Pakistan’s healthcare system after completing their training.

Dr Muhammad Nauman Haider, a Neurosurgery Resident at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, said structured training and international collaboration can help align Pakistan’s neurosurgical practices with global standards.

He noted that exposure to advanced surgical techniques and modern clinical approaches can improve consistency in care and strengthen the overall quality of neurosurgical services.

He added that expanding the number of well-trained specialists would help improve access to care beyond a limited number of advanced centres, while joint research initiatives could promote evidence-based practices and data sharing.

The China–Pakistan Joint Neurosurgery Training Centre represents a practical step toward strengthening Pakistan’s neurosurgical capacity and improving access to specialised care over time.

Credit: INP-WealthPk