ISLAMABAD, May 19 (APP): Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Women Development and Health Ms. Sherry Rehman met her Chinese Health Minister Chen Zhu on Monday, says a message received from Geneva. Sherry Rehman expressed her sympathies over the death of people in devastating earthquake which struck China last week and assured full support of the people and government of Pakistan for the Chinese people in this hour of tragedy, and hoped that Chinese people will soon be able to overcome the trauma.

The Ministers discussed the health matters of mutual interest and highlighted that given the strong historical relations between the two countries, Pakistan and China need to further strengthen their collaboration in the health sector as well.

The particular areas identified for collaboration included: exchange of post-graduate trainees in various medical specialties and public health; establishing and strengthening public health surveillance systems; strengthening health systems; collaboration in medical and public health research; exchange of expertise in various specialties; encouraging the participation of experts in conferences and seminars; technical assistance for strengthening vaccine production facilities; pharmaceuticals, surgical and medical equipment; and traditional medicines.

The Minister invited Chinese Health Minister to visit Pakistan in the near future which he gratefully accepted.

World Health Oganisation (WHO) Assistant Director General for Communicable Diseases and Director General's Representative for polio eradication Dr. David Heymann also called on the Minister for Health Ms.  Sherry Rehman.

The Minister thanked the WHO for its assistance for polio eradication in Pakistan. The Minister informed that Pakistan is continuing National Immunization Rounds and is vigilant through a well functioning surveillance system. The Minister reiterated that the Government of Pakistan is committed to eradicate this disabling menace and will leave not stone unturned to fulfill its commitment. Dr. Heymann assured that the WHO will continue to provide financial and technical assistance to achieve the goal of polio eradication. 

Abdumon Sidikor, Deputy Minister for Health of Uzbekistan also called on Minister for Health Ms. Sherry Rehman. They discussed health matters of mutual interest and highlighted that both countries need further strengthen the collaboration in health sector as well. They particularly discussed  exchange of post-graduate trainees in various medical specialties and public health and export of quality pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical equipment to Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek Deputy Minister desired for assistance in the field of kidney transplantation.The Minister assured Pakistan will be pleased to train Uzbek surgeons in this field.