Kazakhstan envoy visits UHS; proposes joint medical centre to boost ties

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, visited the University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore on Thursday, accompanied by Dr. Anar Turmukhambetova, Board Chairman and Rector of Astana Medical University, along with embassy officials Daniyar Altayev and Rana M. Irfan Haider.

During the visit, the Kazakh delegation met with UHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nadia Naseem, Registrar Ms. Kiran Fatima and senior faculty heads to discuss possibilities of academic cooperation between medical universities of both nations.

Ambassador Kistafin highlighted that over 1,000 Pakistani students are currently enrolled in universities across Kazakhstan, a majority of whom are studying medicine. “Kazakhstan is eager to deepen its academic ties with Pakistan in the field of medical sciences,” he stated, proposing the establishment of a Kazakhstan-Pakistan Joint Medical Centre as a landmark initiative.

He emphasised the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations, expressing optimism that several collaborative agreements will be signed during the upcoming visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan later this year.

Dr. Anar Turmukhambetova commended the intellect and dedication of Pakistani students studying in Kazakhstan. “Our medical education system closely aligns with Pakistan’s, which opens up vast opportunities for academic exchange and joint research,” she noted. She proposed launching joint degree programs in medicine and applied sciences and suggested the formation of a joint working group to facilitate structured cooperation.

Dr. Turmukhambetova also shared that Astana Medical University has recently introduced a military medicine program, marking a new frontier in teaching and research. She praised UHS’s flagship “Pyari Beti” initiative, calling it “a systematic effort for girls' health that deserves international replication.”

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathore assured that Pakistani institutions are open to hosting Kazakh faculty and students. “International collaboration not only enhances academic quality but also provides our students and faculty with opportunities for advanced training and research improving overall ranking of our institutions,” he said.

In her briefing, Prof. Dr. Nadia Naseem presented ongoing academic, research, and community health initiatives at UHS. The discussions also touched upon areas of potential collaboration including curriculum development, faculty training, and joint research in microbiology, forensic medicine, and clinical pharmacy.

The delegation toured UHS’s state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities, expressing appreciation for the university's infrastructure and academic environment.