Belarus and Myanmar elevate healthcare cooperation to a strategic level: delegation of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar visits BSMU

On 20 August, Belarusian State Medical University hosted large-scale bilateral negotiations on the development of cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical education.

The University welcomed Dr. Thet Khaing Win, Union Minister of Health of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and Lieutenant Colonel Kyaw Zin Latt, Member of the Bureau of Social Affairs and Health.

The delegation was welcomed by Alexander Khodzhaev, Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus; Yuri Pokhodnya, Director General of the Republican Unitary Enterprise Managing Company of Belpharmprom Holding; Sergey Rubnikovich, Rector of Belarusian State Medical University, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor; Olga Chervyakova, Head of the Department of International Relations of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus; and Dmitry Chuikov, Vice-Rector for International Relations.

To date, Belarusian pharmaceutical products have successfully completed certification procedures and received twelve marketing authorizations in Myanmar. Belarusian oncology, antiviral, and antibacterial medicines are already being supplied to the country's pharmacy and hospital networks.

In addition, the first large-scale deliveries of advanced medical equipment to Myanmar have been completed, including five fully equipped ambulances and a modern computed tomography (CT) scanner.

Commenting on the performance of the supplied equipment and medicines, Dr. Thet Khaing Win, Union Minister of Health of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, noted:

"We are fully satisfied with the Belarusian ambulances supplied to Myanmar. They have demonstrated reliability and excellent performance under our operating conditions. We also consider Belarusian medicines to be highly effective and of excellent quality. That is why Myanmar is interestea not only in purchasing your pharmaceutical products but also in localizing their production in our country."

The Belarusian side expressed its full readiness to support the initiatives of its partners and confirmed its commitment not only to expanding the range of supplied products but also to providing long-term technical support.

Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Khodzhaev stated:

"Belarus is ready to expand cooperation with Myanmar across all areas of healthcare. We understand how important the uninterrupted operation of sophisticated medical equipment is. Therefore, we undertake firm commitments to provide comprehensive technical support and maintenance for all medical equipment supplied to Myanmar on a continuous basis."

Special attention during the negotiations was given to medical education and professional training. Dr. Thet Khaing Win, who previously served as Rector of the University of Medicine 1, Yangon, put forward specific proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation between the educational systems of the two countries.

The participants discussed in detail the training and professional development of practicing physicians from Myanmar at BSMU. It was proposed to intensify short-term student exchange programmes of up to three months, enabling future medical professionals to gain first-hand experience of the Belarusian medical education system. The parties also agreed to organize training and continuing professional development programmes for practicing physicians from Myanmar at BSMU.

The agreements reached during the meeting will provide a solid foundation for further strengthening and expanding cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in the field of healthcare.