The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare has held discussions with a delegation from China’s Sichuan Province to strengthen cooperation in telemedicine and emergency health services.

The meeting brought together officials from the Sichuan Foreign Affairs Office, Sichuan Provincial Health Commission, West China Second University Hospital, and representatives of the Chinese Embassy.

Talks focused on advancing cooperation under the Maldives–Sichuan health memorandum of understanding signed in August 2024, with key areas including human resource development, education exchange, telemedicine, and emergency healthcare services.

The ministry highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare across the Maldives, while both sides also discussed collaboration in maternal and child health, sharing best practices, and expanding training opportunities for healthcare workers.

Ongoing initiatives under the partnership include the China (Sichuan)–Maldives Health Silk Road Exchange Programme and upcoming specialised training in Chengdu.

The meeting concluded with assurances of continued Chinese support to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance healthcare services in the Maldives.