The Iranian delegation, participating in the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting held in Chandigarh, India, from July 21 to 25, is actively involved in developing a declaration and putting forward technical and legal proposals to strengthen healthcare cooperation among BRICS member states.
According to IRNA, Iran's position focused on achieving consensus while simultaneously protecting national interests, preserving the powers of regulatory bodies, expanding production and research capacities, ensuring equal access to medicines, vaccines, and medical technologies, and promoting cooperation in traditional medicine and mental health.
The delegation emphasized that interaction within BRICS must go beyond declarations and transform into joint, actionable initiatives that yield measurable results. It was also noted that access to medical products and technologies should not be blocked by obstacles that disrupt supply chains, technology transfer, joint production, or timely patient access to treatment.
Ali Jafarian, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Health, presented three key priorities for developing the 'BRICS Action Plan,' based on the country's achievements during crises. The first proposal concerned strengthening joint preparedness, including establishing early warning systems, emergency response networks, combating antimicrobial resistance and environmental threats, while respecting national sovereignty.
The second area was the development of pharmaceutical innovations, which implies a shift from unilateral technology transfer to joint research, local production, and the creation of resilient supply chains. The third proposal focused on improving regulatory interaction. The official representative announced Iran's readiness to participate in BRICS GxP initiatives, emphasizing the importance of experience sharing and reducing duplication of efforts to accelerate access to safe and quality medicines.
Jafarian noted that despite strong pressure caused by recent illegal attacks by the US and Israel on the country, particularly on hospitals, medical personnel, and the pharmaceutical supply chain, the provision of essential medical services in Iran did not cease, demonstrating true resilience. He cited the successful performance of 15 complex liver transplant operations in Tehran during a 40-day military crisis in March.
Iran is ready to expand cooperation in areas such as tuberculosis research, new vaccines, and advanced diagnostics. Regarding Persian and complementary medicine, Jafarian stated that the country has taken significant steps to integrate these services into the national healthcare system and welcomes the establishment of a BRICS expert working group on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine.
Furthermore, he stressed the need for digital transformation in healthcare, based on the fair and rational use of artificial intelligence, stating that BRICS is capable of turning solidarity into tangible action.
The official representative proposed developing healthcare cooperation mechanisms to present at least one joint pilot project, one operational protocol, and one measurable result at the next meeting, which would help mark a turning point in BRICS' transition from declarations to practical implementation and ensuring sustainable healthcare security.
Regarding regulatory cooperation, Iran supported information exchange, capacity building, reliance on credible assessments, and reducing redundant processes, but clearly stated that such cooperation should not lead to automatic license recognition or undermine national decision-making authority.
Mohammad-Mehdi Nasehi, head of the Iranian Health Insurance Organization, focused on tuberculosis, emphasizing the importance of joint operational research and programs, continuity of care for migrants and vulnerable populations, and strengthening cross-border cooperation. Mohammad-Reza Shalbafan's proposal to include psychosocial support during crises, especially for children and adolescents, was unanimously accepted by participants.
Iran also supported the creation of a BRICS center for vaccine research and development, cooperation in nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceutical supply chains, provided that such cooperation is voluntary, evidence-based, and aligns with the national laws and priorities of the countries.
The TCM working group was established on the first day of the 16th meeting. Thanks to the efforts of Arman Zargaran, International Advisor to the Ministry of Health's Traditional Medicine Office, the historical and cultural significance of traditional medicines in preserving the cultural heritage and identity of nations was recognized. Iran supported the establishment of an expert group on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine.
Zargaran emphasized that Persian medicine is not just a traditional practice, but a scientific, regulated, and evidence-based discipline that has been successfully institutionalized and integrated into the national healthcare system. He outlined Iran's strategic achievements in developing traditional medicine across five key areas: expanding higher education through specialized master's programs; promoting research and technology through scientific innovation and cultural heritage preservation; creating a standardization and regulatory framework for natural medicines; integrating traditional medicine into clinical services and primary healthcare; and achieving healthcare equity through comprehensive insurance coverage to ensure equal access for citizens to the full spectrum of quality medical services.
Parallel to the 16th meeting, Zargaran held a meeting with Monalisa Dash, Director General of the Ministry of Ayush, India's International Relations Office. The parties discussed opportunities to improve bilateral cooperation, as well as cooperation within BRICS through research and educational projects, student and professor exchanges, and joint research grants, stressing the need to develop a roadmap for implementing the agreements reached on traditional medicine in accordance with existing memorandums of understanding.
The 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting unites BRICS countries to deepen cooperation, share best practices, and shape the future of sustainable, innovative, and reliable healthcare. According to Ali Jafarian, the official representative of the Ministry of Health, this is an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with BRICS member states and explore the potential for expanding cooperation, especially in the field of pharmaceutical raw materials, medical technologies, and equipment.
The Iranian delegation represents various sectors of healthcare, including Persian medicine, mental health, infectious diseases, and international affairs. Meetings are planned with colleagues from member countries such as India, Russia, and China. Given the illegal sanctions against the country, Iran intends to utilize the potential of BRICS member states to facilitate access to essential medical supplies.
At the Asian Nanoforum (ANF) Summit, held in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on July 16 and 17, Iran put forward three proposals aimed at expanding regional interaction in advanced technologies, human capital development, and international standardization.
The ANF 2026 Summit gathered representatives from member states such as Japan, South Korea, Iran, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam. According to the IRNA agency, the Iranian delegation participated in the meeting in an online format. The annual summit aims to study changing technological trends, stimulate scientific and industrial cooperation, and develop joint regional programs. This year, the event was held concurrently with the annual meeting of the Taiwan Society of Nanomedicine.
Iran's first proposal focused on strengthening cooperation in the field of micro- and nanoelectronics. The country suggested that universities, research centers, and leading industries of member countries establish a network for implementing joint research projects, exchanging specialists, and holding scientific events. Furthermore, it was proposed to hold a Symposium on Transformational Technologies in 2027 with the participation of summit members. This symposium will cover topics such as neuromorphic computing, intelligent sensors, bioelectronics, and new smart mobility technologies, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and developing technological ties between Asian nations.
The second proposal concerned education and human capital development. Based on Iran's successful experience in developing and organizing the International Olympiad on Nanotechnology for High School Students (INO-HS), ANF members were invited to actively participate in organizing future editions of this event. As the permanent secretariat of the International Olympiad on Nanotechnology for Students, Iran invited member countries to attend the third edition, scheduled for December 6 to 12 in Chinese Taipei. The goal is to identify top talents, enhance qualifications, and build a network of young leaders in nanotechnology across Asia.
The third proposal emphasized expanding regional cooperation in developing international ISO standards for nanotechnology. Iran proposed three specific topics for the development of these standards: firstly, a standard for technical specifications and performance evaluation methods of graphene and other two-dimensional materials in energy storage systems to establish unified quality assessment criteria; secondly, a standard for specifications and testing methods of thermal insulating nanocoatings, aimed at harmonizing performance and durability assessment methods; and thirdly, a guide on the application of micro- and ultrafine bubble technology in aquaculture, intended to expand the use of this technology to increase productivity and improve water quality in the aquaculture industry.
These initiatives reflect Iran's approach to improving regional cooperation, developing strategic technologies and human capital, and making a constructive contribution to the creation of international standards. By creating a foundation for joint projects, these endeavors will help strengthen the position of Asian nations in the global nanotechnology ecosystem. Moreover, progress in nanotechnology in Iran goes beyond purely scientific achievement. Over 430 companies operate in the nanotechnology sector in the country, and more than 1960 nanotechnology products have received nanoscale certifications. As reported by IRNA, the development of nanotechnology in the country is measured not only by scientific rankings and published articles but also by the products manufactured and brought to market. The total sales volume of these products exceeds 970 trillion rials (approximately 554 million dollars), indicating that scientific achievements have translated into economic and industrial potential.
