Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
ZIMBABWE and Iran have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of pharmaceutical and medical equipment, medical education and health systems management which is expected to see the two countries collaborate in the health sector.
Regardless of the illegal sanctions imposed on Iran, the country has managed to make great advancements in the pharmaceutical sector manufacturing 97% of its medicines, hence Zimbabwe is looking forward to tapping into the country’s expertise and manufacturing the bulk of its medicines in line with the national pharmaceutical strategy.
Iran’s Minister of Health and Medical Education, Professor Bahram Einollahi is confident the union between Zimbabwe and Iran will be of great benefit to the two countries.
“The support of your country on different platforms has shown that you are a good friend. Good things are happening in our bilateral relations. Further prospects are very high.
“There is a lot of untapped potential from both ends, hence we need to operationalise these capacities so that we have fruitful relations. We need to enter into serious business so that we deepen our ties. Iran is one of the top countries in terms of health care in the Middle East region,” he said.
Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga said the country is looking forward to the implementation of the memorandum of understanding.
“The medical equipment we saw will make a huge difference to our health care system. Cancer is a challenge for Zimbabwe hence these cancer machines will be very useful. We are interested in mobile hospitals. As you are aware, we have been hit by major disasters, so they are handy. Overally, my delegation noted the importance you attach to research,” said Dr Chiwenga.
In line with the National Pharmaceutical Strategy, Zimbabwe has been developing various strategies to ensure the country is self-sufficient in terms of medicines and the partnership with Iranian companies is expected to be a step towards achieving the set targets.
