Ankara, November 24-26, 2025 — The Turkish capital is currently hosting one of the most significant medical gatherings of the year. The 11th Turkish Medical World Congress, organized by the Health Institutes of Türkiye (TÜSEB), has brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the globe to discuss the future of medicine and healthcare innovation.
A Platform for International Collaboration
This year's congress has attracted participation from numerous countries, signaling the growing importance of Türkiye as a regional healthcare hub. Among the notable international delegations, Pakistan's Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal is representing his country, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations in the medical sector.
The event serves as more than just a conference—it's a catalyst for strengthening international partnerships in medical research, healthcare technologies, and humanitarian services. The three-day gathering provides a unique opportunity for countries to exchange expertise and explore collaborative ventures that could reshape healthcare delivery across regions.
Focus on Research and Development
One of the key highlights of this year's congress is TÜSEB's comprehensive presentation on support processes for research and development projects planned at universities across Türkiye. The presentation covers critical aspects including:
- Application and evaluation procedures for R&D projects
- Budgeting and contracting processes
- Accrual mechanisms for funded research
- Support frameworks for pharmaceutical and medical device development
This emphasis on R&D support underscores Türkiye's commitment to becoming a leader in medical innovation and reducing dependency on imported medical technologies.
Regional Self-Sufficiency Takes Center Stage
A powerful message emerging from the congress is the push toward regional pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing independence. Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, delivered a compelling address emphasizing that the era of complete reliance on imported medicines and medical supplies must end. He advocated for integrated regional manufacturing partnerships that could enhance health security across the region.
Egypt's achievements in public health have been particularly noteworthy. The country successfully eliminated hepatitis C after screening 63 million citizens, reducing prevalence from over 14% to just 0.38%—earning the World Health Organization's gold certification. These success stories demonstrate what's possible through dedicated public health initiatives and serve as inspiration for other nations.
Bilateral Cooperation on Display
The congress has facilitated numerous bilateral meetings and cooperation agreements. Pakistan's Health Minister Mustafa Kamal took the opportunity to visit Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, one of Türkiye's most advanced medical facilities, to explore modern healthcare technologies and best practices.
Additionally, discussions between Pakistani and Turkish officials with the Turkish Red Crescent have focused on expanding collaboration in blood services, including improved blood-bank management, enhanced safety protocols, and workforce capacity building—critical components of healthcare infrastructure.
Call for Deep Regional Partnerships
Minister Abdel Ghaffar's call for a "deep Egyptian-Turkish partnership" in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, and scientific research resonated strongly at the congress. Egypt has expressed readiness to support joint projects through its "golden licence" mechanism and exceptional investment facilitations, potentially creating a model for regional health security and sustainable development.
This vision aligns perfectly with Türkiye's own ambitions to establish itself as a biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, reducing regional dependency on international pharmaceutical supplies while building capacity for innovation.
Technology Transfer and Innovation
The congress comes at a time when Türkiye is making significant strides in medical technology development. Recent initiatives include:
- The establishment of Technology Transfer Office branches at major hospitals, including Erzurum City Hospital
- Support for domestic medical device production, such as tele-haematology devices
- Cooperation agreements with international biotechnology institutes
- Artificial Intelligence in Health competitions to foster innovation
These initiatives demonstrate TÜSEB's commitment to translating research into practical healthcare solutions that can benefit patients both domestically and internationally.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Regional Healthcare
The 11th Turkish Medical World Congress represents more than just a meeting of minds—it's a strategic platform for building the healthcare systems of tomorrow. As countries face common challenges including aging populations, emerging infectious diseases, and the need for healthcare accessibility, collaborative approaches become increasingly vital.
The emphasis on regional manufacturing, research cooperation, and technology transfer could mark a turning point for healthcare independence in the region. By pooling resources, sharing expertise, and supporting joint ventures, participating nations are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and innovative healthcare ecosystem.
Conclusion
As the congress continues through November 26, participants are engaged in workshops, presentations, and networking sessions that will likely yield tangible partnerships and projects in the months ahead. The event exemplifies Türkiye's growing role as a bridge between East and West, facilitating dialogue and cooperation that transcends borders.
For healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers unable to attend, the outcomes of this congress will likely influence regional health policies and international cooperation frameworks for years to come. The message is clear: the future of healthcare lies in collaboration, innovation, and regional self-sufficiency—and Türkiye is positioning itself at the heart of this transformation.
The 11th Turkish Medical World Congress runs through November 26, 2025, at venues across Ankara. For more information about Health Institutes of Türkiye's initiatives, visit www.tuseb.gov.tr