Iran keen on working with Malaysia in health sector - Ambassador

The ambassador, who paid a courtesy call on Chairman of Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi at Wisma Bernama here, Tuesday, said Iran has made a significant advancement in this field, including the capacity to develop its own COVID-19 vaccines.

He said Iran is ready to share its expertise with Malaysia.

"When we were first hit by the COVID-19, we were surprised because it was unknown to the people, but our scientists immediately started to do the research and try to get some experiences from other countries.

"We have made a very good collaboration with Cuba for the vaccine, and it is one of the strongest in the world. And we did manage to work with Russia. I think one private company in Iran was able to work with an Australian company," he said.

According to Tehran Times report, 14 COVID-19 vaccines are being domestically developed in the country - with some having received the licence for public use and others in different study phases.

These include COVIran Barekat developed by Shifa Pharmed Industrial Group; Pastu Covac, jointly developed by the Pasteur Institute of Iran and Cuba's Finlay Vaccine Institute; Razi Cov Pars by the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute; and Fakhra vaccine by the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research.

Mohammadi noted that due to the economic sanctions imposed on the country, Iran has developed its education system to ensure the country's self-sustenance in areas of needs like healthcare.

He said 95 per cent of the country's healthcare necessities or requirements are produced in Iran.

"Of course, for some special medicines, we still need to import, but Iran is quite capable. Our pharmaceutical industries are also quite strong. However, we are not exporting medicines to other countries.

"About the medical equipment, we are very advanced, and now we're exporting to other countries. Recently, I was informed that we are exporting robotic surgery improvements to Indonesia; and we are quite ready, in fact, to share our knowledge with Malaysia," he said.