Shifa International Hospital and Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University delegation visited Uzbekistan in the month of February, 2023, to enhance bilateral relations and collaboration with Urgench Branch of Tashkent Medical Academy and to explore opportunities for Patient Referrals to Shifa International Hospitals ltd. 

Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country with a population of 5.5 Million. A large number of its population in need of advanced healthcare services, travel to various medical tourism destinations including India, Dubai, Turkey. A very high number of patients are in need of transplant services as liver and renal diseases are prevalent particularly in Khorazem region.

UBTMA, is a branch of Tashkent Medical Academy in the Khorazem region of Uzbekistan. It offers degree programs in MBBS and BDS. It has a large number of International Students from various countries including Pakistan. 

Shifa delegation included Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Khan, VC STMU; Dr. Malik Imad Khan, COO Shifa External Services; Dr. Khwaja Junaid Mustafa, Director Clinical Risk Management SIHL and Dr. Najia Khan Manager Business Development, SES. 

The delegation was graciously welcomed by the Rector UBTMA, Mr. RUZIBAEV RASHID YUSUPOVICH, Mr. BATIROV DAVRONBEK YUSUPOVICH and other members of administration. Mr. Rashid briefed the delegation on UBTMA history and plans for its growth and expansion in the medical field. They look forward to a strong collaboration with Shifa to enhance their teaching methodology and to train their surgeons for organ transplant. The meeting was followed by a tour of the medical college and affiliated teaching hospitals. 

Team Shifa, during the 4 days visit also met with Pakistan Ambassador in Tashkent, Syed Asad Ali Gilani. He appreciated Shifa’s efforts for promoting healthcare services available in Pakistan. The ambassador also briefed the delegation on history of bilateral relations between the two countries, challenges faced by the Pakistani students studying in Uzbekistan, predominance of Indian Medical Tourism and expectation of Uzbek medical tourists. He mentioned that discussions are ongoing between the two countries on resumption of direct flights – a crucial aspect for successful medical tourism directed to Pakistan. 

During this visit, the delegation also visited AKfa University and Akfa Medline Hospital, the only JCI accredited hospital in Uzbekistan; Visited Yangi’ol city and met with the Mayor and health department representatives. They have shown interest in establishing a healthcare facility in yangi’ol in collaboration with SIHL. In another meeting with Director International Collaboration, Tashkent medical Academy, Mr. Jehangir – Shifa team apprised him of the success, achievements and future plans of Shifa family in healthcare and education. Mr. Jehangir was appreciative of the efforts and shown an interest in establishing bilateral collaboration in teaching.