Pakistan and China have taken another significant step towards expanding bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector as Gomal Medical College (GMC), Dera Ismail Khan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Third People’s Hospital of Henan Province to establish long-term academic, clinical and research collaboration in minimally invasive spinal surgery, further reinforcing growing medical ties between the two countries.

The agreement reflects the increasing momentum of Pakistan-China cooperation beyond traditional areas such as infrastructure, trade and investment, extending into medical education, specialized healthcare, clinical innovation and capacity building, Gwadar Pro reported on Monday

The partnership is expected to facilitate the transfer of advanced Chinese medical expertise to Pakistan while creating opportunities for collaborative research, professional exchanges and improved patient care.

According to officials, the MoU provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation in minimally invasive spinal surgery, with both institutions agreeing to work closely on academic exchanges, faculty development, joint research initiatives, advanced surgical training and the adoption of modern clinical practices.

The collaboration is also aimed at strengthening institutional linkages between the two medical establishments and promoting knowledge-sharing in one of the most rapidly evolving fields of neurosurgery.

Medical experts believe the partnership has the potential to significantly improve Pakistan’s capacity in minimally invasive spinal surgery, an area that has witnessed remarkable technological advancement in China over the past decade.

Chinese hospitals have emerged among the world’s leading centres for advanced neurosurgical procedures, robotics-assisted operations and minimally invasive techniques, making such collaborations increasingly valuable for developing countries seeking to modernize healthcare services.

Officials said the collaboration is expected to provide Pakistani neurosurgeons with exposure to cutting-edge surgical technologies, advanced operating protocols and modern treatment methodologies that have been successfully implemented in China’s leading medical institutions.

The partnership is also likely to facilitate reciprocal academic visits, specialized workshops, training programmes and collaborative publications in internationally recognized medical journals.

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