ZAUMS

Report from: Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, International Affairs Office

Published on: September 30, 2025

In a joint meeting between the chancellor of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences and the Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Scientific Diplomacy and also the Head of the Office of Student Affairs, Scholarships, and Schools Abroad, that was held on 24 September 2025, emphasis was placed on utilizing the capacities of Sistan and Baluchestan Province to strengthen scientific and health diplomacy with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and Afghanistan.

According to the Public Relations report, Dr. Mohammad Hassan Mohammadi, Chancellor of ZAUMS, stated that due to the unique characteristics of the province and its extensive border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, the province possesses distinct capabilities to ensure food security and address drug shortages, particularly during crises.

Considering the high incidence of infectious diseases and prevalent health issues in the area, along with the expertise of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in this domain, the advancement of health diplomacy could significantly enhance health outcomes in the region.

He urged for the involvement of university representatives in trips and meetings concerning Pakistan, aimed at fostering scientific and health diplomacy.

He highlighted the importance of developing health tourism within the province and leveraging the medical resources of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences to offer services to patients in need across neighboring countries.

Additionally, he underscored the significance of the Arbaeen walking ceremony and the expansion of international healthcare initiatives, advocating for strengthened collaboration with health officials from Pakistan.

Dr. Koohkan, the Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Scientific Diplomacy and also the Head of the Office of Student Affairs, Scholarships, and Schools Abroad, while appreciating the efforts towards internationalization of the university declared the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' readiness to facilitate the international student recruitment program. This initiative aligns with the goals of foreign policy and the President's focus on scientific diplomacy and enhancing the recruitment of international students, while adhering to specific standards. The program is set to expand to additional countries in the region, including India and Bangladesh.

He articulated that the implementation of collaborative and effective projects for the exchange of professors and students could significantly contribute to the advancement of scientific diplomacy. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of utilizing national financial resources to attract international students through scholarships. Additionally, he highlighted the need to empower senior university administrators in the realm of scientific diplomacy by facilitating their participation in management courses organized by the country's administrative and employment organization.

He also pointed out that it is essential to strengthen the educational and welfare infrastructure of universities by leveraging resources from the Ministry of Health and other national assets to enhance the recruitment of foreign students.

 Mr. Shenavayee, the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Representation in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, acknowledged the praiseworthy efforts of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in promoting the internationalization of the institution. He underscored the importance of having university representatives participate in the annual joint border meetings conducted in the province.

Dr. Tabatabaei, Advisor to the chancellor for International Affairs presented a report on the competitive advantages of Sistan and Baluchestan province and the capacities of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in the field of health diplomacy. He presented a report on the measures taken over the past three years to internationalize the university, especially the internationalization workshops in-house and the meetings held to prepare the ground for the internationalization of medical education and the attraction of international students. He stated that currently 80 students from Pakistan and Afghanistan are studying at the university in the fields of medicine, dentistry, and midwifery. The process of attracting fourth-year students is also underway, and currently one applicant for the pediatric specialty has been granted conditional admission. He added that in addition to attracting international students, this university also has the capacity to hold short-term skill training courses in the form of summer and winter schools.

Further, issues were raised regarding the memorandums of understanding exchanged with universities and the Ministry of Health of Sindh Province, Pakistan, and their non-implementation by the Pakistani side. He emphasized that considering the Arbaeen pilgrimage ceremony and the passage of Pakistani pilgrims through Iran and the province's borders, the presence of the University of Medical Sciences in border meetings in the province, focusing on the issue of international health regulations, can be of great help in controlling infectious diseases in the region.

Dr. Khajeh, Vice Chancellor for Education, referring to the educational capabilities of the university, including the number of students, professors, and available majors at the University of Medical Sciences, it was noted that there are presently 420 faculty members and 4,000 students enrolled in 69 different majors. These include subspecialties and fellowships in ophthalmology and infertility, 13 specialized medical majors, 6 specialized dental majors, and a doctorate program in nursing. At this time, the heart surgery center, cochlear implant facility, and Al-Zahra (S) Ophthalmology Subspecialty Hospital serve as significant resources for this university in the realm of medical education.

Dr. Ansari Moghadam, Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology, highlighted the research capabilities of the institution, which include 11 research centers, 6 scientific and research journals, and 2 ISI journals. He also noted the Health Promotion Research Center's top ranking for the third consecutive year, the graduation of 8 PhD candidates in research, and the advancement of infrastructure, particularly the ongoing project for the university's digital library, which is currently under construction.

Dr. Abbasi, Vice Chancellor for Cultural and Student Affairs, also emphasized strengthening the university’s infrastructure in line with internationalization of medical education.

It is noteworthy that at the end of the meeting, the Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Scientific Diplomacy visited the educational infrastructure of the Zahedan School of Medicine and the training process of international students at the university.

Copyright © 2025 Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Date updated: 30/09/2025

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us on:  internationaloffice@zaums.ac.ir