Health care professionals from the Maldives and China have jointly inaugurated a comprehensive symposium focused on enhancing fertility and newborn health services in the island nation.
The week-long event brings together a delegation of nine expert doctors from China, specialising in gynecology, pediatrics, and obstetrics, to share knowledge and collaborate with their Maldivian counterparts.
The symposium, attended by representatives from hospitals under the Male' Group of Hospitals (MGH) and several private healthcare institutions, was officially inaugurated by Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, CEO of the MGH.
He emphasised the event's potential to strengthen the Maldivian health sector and propel the development of a modern healthcare system.
"This symposium will contribute to human resource development by familiarising us with modern medical systems and technologies, while also considering the research challenges in this field," he said.
"It will also lead to significant progress in making the Maldives' health system a reliable service."
He further highlighted the long-term commitment to these programmes through the bilateral partnership, aiming to bolster the Maldivian health system and enhance the competence of its medical personnel.
Representing China, Ambassador of China to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua underscored the initiative as a symbol of the strong relationship between China and the Maldives.
"Ensuring the health of mothers and children is a crucial investment for the future," Ambassador Kong remarked, pledging to share China's extensive experience in these areas.
"Fertility and child health are not only important for the family; the future of the entire country depends on it. It is linked to social development."
As part of the symposium, the Chinese medical team will visit both government and private hospitals to exchange experiences. A pivotal outcome of the event was the signing of a permanent cooperation agreement between the Maldives and China.
MGH CEO Abdul Razzaq and Secretary General Chen Rui of the Chengdu Maternal and Child Health Association of China formalised the pact. This agreement establishes a framework for mutual assistance in education and training, capacity building, scientific research, and policy formulation, paving the way for numerous future exchange programmes.
This initiative builds upon past collaborations, including a training visit by nine Maldivian doctors to China in August of this year.