ISLAMABAD, May 1 (INP): The Committee on Science and Technology of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH) has partnered with Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM) to provide training programs for technicians, covering a range of disciplines in both medical and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.  The primary goal is to build and strengthen scientific and technological capacities within OIC member states, Gwadar Pro reported on Wednesday. In this collaborative effort, titled the “COMSTECH-Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM) Technicians Training Program,” 13 individuals from seven countries will visit China from May 6 to May 17 to receive advanced training in Medical Sciences and Science and Technology.

The training program will include instruction on NMR and MRI techniques, as well as sessions focusing on Ethno Medicine Innovation and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Training will be conducted in two cities: Changsha and Beijing. Technical visits will also be part of the program, with trainees visiting Tianjin Tasly Holding. Among the 13 selected individuals, two are from Pakistan, two from Cameroon, two from Indonesia, and two from Bangladesh.  Additionally, one participant each hails from Sudan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, and the UAE (with Pakistani origin). The candidates represent diverse educational and professional backgrounds, ranging from Lab Supervisors and Research Assistants to Lecturers and Assistant Professors at their respective institutions. 

Khazima Muazim, Program Manager, emphasized the prioritization of female candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to address marginalization and ensure inclusivity within the program. “This initiative was launched in December 2023, and after a rigorous selection process at COMSTECH and HUCM, we have selected 13 individuals from seven countries to be part of this program,” she said, acknowledging the leadership of HUCM, particularly Prof. Dr. Wei Wang, Dean and WHO focal persons on TCM, for his incredible support, as well as the technical partners of the program Tianjin Holding.

Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, outlined the first phase of the program, which includes two components: the technician training program and Post-Doc study at Hunan University.  COMSTECH is also in the process of initiating similar programs with Ningbo University and Xinjiang Medical University. Additionally, COMSTECH has established a joint program with Huawei Technologies China in the field of cybersecurity. “OIC organizations will collaborate with China for the benefit of Muslim member states. In the first phase, 13 individuals have been selected from seven member countries.  Next, we aim to engage more individuals, not only at the technological, educational, and scientific levels, but also in the promotion of TCM,” said Dr. Iqbal, adding that 20 doctors from Pakistan will also receive training in Chinese traditional medicines in China.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China