Dublin: Pakistan and Ireland have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the healthcare sector, with a focus on medical training and professional links between institutions in both countries.
The development came during a visit to Ireland by a high-level delegation from the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP).
The delegation was led by CPSP President Professor Muhammad Shoaib Shafi and Senior Vice President Professor Khalid Masood Gondal.
The delegation met Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ireland, Mariam Aftab, in Dublin. Representatives of Irish Royal Colleges and the Health Service Executive (HSE) also attended the meeting.
Focus on Training Pakistani Doctors
The CPSP delegation briefed the ambassador on the college’s activities and professional initiatives.
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The discussions also covered ongoing cooperation with Irish Royal Colleges and the HSE for the training of Pakistani doctors in Ireland.
The CPSP and HSE already support a structured postgraduate training programme for Pakistani doctors. Under the programme, selected doctors can complete part of their specialist training in Ireland before returning to Pakistan.
The delegation appreciated the continued support of the Embassy of Pakistan in promoting cooperation between Pakistani and Irish medical institutions.
Ambassador Highlights Role of Pakistani Doctors
Ambassador Mariam Aftab welcomed the CPSP delegation and expressed satisfaction over the growing bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Ireland.
She highlighted the valuable contribution of Pakistani doctors working in Ireland.
The ambassador said their professional services are valued by Ireland’s leadership and wider public.
She also recalled her meeting with Irish President Catherine Connolly in January, during which the president appreciated the services of Pakistani doctors in Ireland.
Medical Training Seen as a Mutual Benefit
Ambassador Aftab described cooperation between CPSP and the HSE as a mutually beneficial initiative for both countries.
She noted that medical training and professional exchanges can help Pakistani doctors gain valuable international experience.
Such programmes can also support Pakistan’s healthcare system when trained professionals return home and apply their knowledge and skills.
The CPSP delegation also highlighted the college’s role in postgraduate medical education and its international partnerships.
Embassy Pledges Continued Support
The ambassador stressed the importance of expanding healthcare cooperation between Pakistan and Ireland.
She assured the delegation that the Embassy of Pakistan in Dublin would continue to support efforts to strengthen medical and healthcare links between the two countries.
Pakistan and Ireland have developed several areas of institutional cooperation in recent years. Healthcare remains an important area for professional exchanges and skills development.
The CPSP-HSE training partnership provides a practical platform for such cooperation. The programme includes structured postgraduate training in several medical specialties and aims to give Pakistani doctors exposure to Ireland’s healthcare system.
The meeting therefore marked another step towards expanding Pakistan-Ireland cooperation in healthcare, medical education and professional development.
